Statement on the Closure of Diseworth Primary School

Yesterday, Leicestershire County Council announced the decision that Diseworth Primary School will close at the end of the current term. This comes with less than three weeks to go until the end of the school year. Like many parents and residents, I am deeply concerned by this decision.

I am extremely disappointed to have learned of the closure through a County Council press release issued just one hour before a meeting with the education team to discuss the announcement. The lack of engagement with my office and the seemingly absence of meaningful consultation with those directly affected are deeply concerning.

The short notice provided for the closure does not give parents sufficient time to explore alternative education settings in the local area or to consider the potential financial implications of changes to travel arrangements.

This decision will be worrying for many families at Diseworth Primary School. I am concerned about the impact on all pupils, including those with SEND and how their needs will be met throughout, and after this process.

I will be raising these concerns directly with the Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Council at a meeting next week; in particular, the support that will be provided to current pupils and families.

North West Leicestershire is home to many outstanding village primaries, which provide excellent environments for children to learn, develop and thrive before moving on to secondary education. These schools are at the heart of our local communities; once lost, they are incredibly difficult to replace.

I will continue to engage with Leicestershire County Council on behalf of families and seek assurances that every affected child receives the support they need.

More broadly, I am concerned by a growing trend under the Reform-led administration, where support for maintained schools does not appear to be a priority. This closure follows the decision to end the School Meals Service, which provided lunches to many village primaries and has added further pressure on headteachers and governors to find alternative private arrangements without creating additional financial burdens.

If you are affected by the closure, please do not hesitate to contact my office in any of the following ways:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01530 569010

Amanda Hack MP

North West Leicestershire