Plans to close a primary school in Caerphilly county have been put on hold following feedback from the wider community.
Deri Primary School, in the village of Deri near Bargoed, had been proposed for closure in September 2027 following a decline in pupil numbers. The school currently has 57 pupils, despite having a capacity for 80 children.
Community response halts consultation
Earlier this month the school's governing body wrote to parents to inform them that Caerphilly County Borough Council was preparing to consult on proposals to close the school.
The proposed consultation received a response from the local community, with parents, governors and members of the wider public raising concerns about the potential closure and calling for the school to be given a chance to remain open.
Council decision
Following the feedback received, Caerphilly Council's Cabinet decided at its meeting on Thursday, September 24, not to proceed with the proposed consultation.
The governing body had written to the council requesting that the proposed consultation be paused until the end of the current financial year.
The decision means the proposed consultation on the closure of Deri Primary School will not go ahead at this stage, giving the school and its community more time to engage with the council about its future.
Engagement to continue
Caerphilly Council leader Jamie Pritchard said: "We have listened to the feedback from the Governing Body, parents and wider community over recent weeks. Therefore, we have decided not to consult on the closure of Deri School as a result of all the feedback received.
"We will work with the governing body of the school to ensure we support the school community and continue our engagement going forward."
The council has not ruled out further discussions about the school's future, with its leader confirming that engagement with the governing body and school community will continue.
