A petition has been launched to increase the number of pupils at the folk school

A petition has been launched to increase the number of courses at the Leicestershire school. The campaign is being supported by parents who live near New Lubbesthorpe Primary School but whose children have not been able to secure a place there, even when siblings are on the list.

The person who launched the appeal, which has attracted dozens of signatures, said he was directly affected by the problem at the school in Tay Road, New Lubbesthorpe – a huge new and growing estate – particularly in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS ).

The local authority, Leicestershire County Council, said it was working with the trust which runs the school “to ensure there will be sufficient capacity for children within the school as the development continues”. Martin Ward, on behalf of New Lubbesthorpe developer Drummond Estate, said he was working with the county council and Oadby, Wigston and Leicestershire Schools (OWLS) Multi Academy Trust on proposals for the school to be extended to a three-form entrance . school, meaning three from each year group, currently the school has capacity for two from each year group

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The person who started the petition stated on it that they and their husband had full-time jobs and their daughter attended New Lubbesthorpe Primary School. They added: “They are directly affected by the shortage of classroom intake capacity in New Lubbesthorpe, Leicestershire, UK, particularly at the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS). Our EYFS is currently struggling to meet the needs of a growing population, but the council has not taken effective action to address this problem.

“This shortcoming hinders the well-being and educational opportunities for our youngest citizens, which in the long run could impact their overall academic performance. In addition, the perennial problem of limited space in EYFS lessons has left many parents frustrated.

“It’s not just about numbers. It’s about giving our children the best start to their education. The council has a responsibility to address the needs of families and the community in New Lubbesthorpe, ensuring equitable access to all aspects of early years education. “

They said the current situation “has divided siblings, affected families (and) affected (a) working people to make it impossible to meet the needs of their children, family and employer”. “Raise your voice with me – let’s urge our council to address the urgent need to increase the number of EYFS courses,” they added. “Sign this petition today. Let them know we care about our children’s education.”

One person who signed the petition wrote: “It is appalling that families who literally live on the doorstep and with siblings already in school are not being accepted at reception. Causing a nightmare for the families involved, many of us live in this area. for school and that was ruined for a lot of us this year.”

Another said: “My daughter got a school three and a half miles away at New Lubbesthorpe school while we already have a brother in year two. Parents should not have to sacrifice their careers to accommodate two schools. Our work commitments only allow one parent to do school a day, my husband doesn’t drive so when he does school it would mean the kids have to walk four miles a day. This will be detrimental to the health and well-being of our family.”

A county council spokesman said: “New Lubbesthorpe Primary School’s admissions policy prioritizes school places for children who live within a school and all children who start school in 24/25 are in the catchment.

“We have worked proactively with the Drummond Estate and OWLS Academy Trust to ensure there will be sufficient capacity for children within the school as the development continues.

“99% of primary school children got one of the top three places for 24/25. There is also a surplus of primary school places across the county for the coming academic year.”

Martin Ward, on behalf of New Lubbesthorpe’s developer, Drummond Estate, said: “Having delivered a well-designed school with fantastic facilities, which is brilliantly run by OWLS Academy Trust, New Lubbesthorpe Primary School has become a bit of a victim of this one. own success. There are many applications for school places outside the catchment area. More than 1,000 homes are currently occupied in New Lubbesthorpe and the development continues to be popular with families.

“Following the success of the school, we are working closely with the County Council and the OWLS Academy Trust on proposals for the school to be extended to a three-form entry. We should have more details on this available in the coming weeks.”

LeicestershireLive contacted the OWLS Academy Trust but did not hear back before publication.