Parents optimistic over Buntingsdale School plans

Proposals to shake up a north Shropshire school have been greeted with optimism, a meeting heard.

About 25 parents and children turned out to a public meeting last night to hear Shropshire Council plans to extend Buntingsdale Infant School near Market Drayton into a full primary.

The general feeling among parents was that plans, which could be reality by August 2012, could benefit children and bring stability.

But concerns were raised on whether children at another school would be allowed back to Buntingsdale and how the school w ould accommodate extra pupils.

Jayne Haighton, parent, said: "How can we accept plans when we don't know where our children are going to go? It doesn't make much sense at all.

"Friends of mine supported the idea of the school becoming a primary because they thought they could bring children back."

But she added: "I think it is potentially very good for the children and will bring stability to the school."

One parent said: "I want my children to be able to stay where they are before moving to secondary school."

Another parent said she feared the school may close if the Tern Hill army barracks was decommissioned in the future.

Hilary Alcock, head teacher, said: "I think it's really good we have the chance to see if we can become a primary school.

"The research we did at the school showed 97 per cent of 75 per cent of people who replied, wanted the school to become a primary."

A report to Shropshire Council's cabinet says the school almost exclusively serves the military base at Tern Hill and at present pupils transfer to Market Drayton Junior School.

John Rowley, Shropshire Council's assistant director for children and young people's services, told the meeting changes would reduce pressure on pupil numbers in Market Drayton Junior School and would cut down on transport costs.

By James Pugh