‘It’s not a commodity’: Parents from Dalston primary school at risk of a merger urge council bosses to rethink plans

Protest outside Colvestone Primary School. Photograph: Julia Gregory

A group of Hackney parents have launched a campaign to save their children’s primary school.

Colvestone is one of four primaries that could merge under plans that also include the potential closures of De Beauvoir and Randal Cremer schools in September 2024.

In total, the six schools have seen a 42 per cent increase in unfilled reception places since 2014.

Colvestone in Dalston could be folded into the larger Princess May school in 2024, while Baden Powell could merge with Nightingale primary in Clapton.

More than 1,200 people, including children’s author and former Colvestone parent Michael Rosen, have signed an online petition urging Hackney Council to think again.

Parents praised Colvestone as a “happy community” and said their children are thriving there.

The Town Hall revealed the news to families just before they broke up for Easter, leading to frustration among parents.

The council said the timing was led by the schools and stressed the proposals are due to falling school rolls, which is a London-wide problem.

It said Brexit and people moving out of London because of the pandemic or rising house prices have played a role.

Government funding for schools is based on the number of pupils, so lots of empty desks hits hard and “almost inevitably sees performance and standards fall”, according to education chiefs.

The six schools involved in the plans are facing a £4m income loss this year compared with what they would have expected to receive if classrooms were full.

Colvestone could be at risk partly because of one its selling points – being a small, single-form school.

Brandon and Corine Bishop fear any merger will have a negative impact on their daughter. Photograph: Julia Gregory

Parents also pointed out that any move would be “disruptive” for pupils with special needs.

They are due to meet education bosses at a public meeting next Monday to discuss the proposals.

Dorothea Kanellopoulou, the representative of parents of children with SEND, said: “Children have routine. Autistic children thrive on routine. To get an autistic child to go to school takes time.”

She explained that parents had picked Colvestone because it is a small school.

“One of the hardest things in autism is environmental overwhelm.”

Corine and Brandon Bishop are worried about the impact a merger with another school will have on their daughter, who has special needs.

“It’s going to be disruptive, she won’t go to school,” they said.

“The SEND support we have now is great. We work collaboratively with the school.”

Parents said Colvestone is also unique as “the only non-denominational school in Dalston, and with the proposed closure of nearby De Beauvoir school, current and future parents in this area have few nearby options that are not either religious schools, academies or free schools”.

Mike Cooter said: “Most parents have chosen the school for its smallness. A lot of us feel at primary it’s more nurturing. Everybody is happy, the people are lovely.”

He pointed out that access to good schools is also highlighted by estate agents.

Another parent, Chris, said money has recently been spent on a new reception classroom, adding: “It’s unique as a single-entry school, we do not all want mega schools.”

He continued: “It’s not a commodity, it’s an opportunity to have a small village school in the city.”

He considers the plan a closure for Colvestone rather than a merger, and urged the council to invest in children. He said development in the area would bring in more families needing school places.

The council is talking to parents from all the schools before the proposals go to the cabinet.