Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families on the outcome of consultation on a proposal to reduce the number of primary school places within the Guiseley and Yeadon areas of Leeds by proposing the closure of Queensway Primary School (PS).

At the commencement of this item, in his position as the Leader of Council and Chair of the Board, Councillor Lewis confirmed the withdrawal of the submitted report by the Director of Children and Families from the Executive Board agenda.

In doing so, the Leader invited comment from the Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education who provided an overview of the reasons why the proposal to reduce the number of primary school places within the Guiseley and Yeadon areas of Leeds by the closure of Queensway Primary School had originally been put forward for consultation. It was noted that the withdrawal of the report from the agenda responded to the outcomes from the consultation exercise, which was overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the school open.  The strength of feeling in the area and the effectiveness of the related campaign were acknowledged. It was also noted that consideration would continue to be given to addressing the challenges which continued to exist in this area.

In inviting comment from Board Members, responses to enquiries were provided on several related matters, including: liaison which had been undertaken with local Ward Members on this issue; the next steps following the withdrawal of this report in terms of looking to address the challenges which continued to exist; and the actions that would be taken pursuant to the White Paper Motion regarding Queensway Primary School which was resolved by full Council on 16th November 2022.