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Parents, staff and residents have until 7 December to give their views on a proposal to close Millfields Church of England Primary School in Eastham.
Wirral Council opened the six-week consultation yesterday (Monday, 26 October), after its Children, Young People and Education Committee agreed to it on 14 October.
Here is something to note that the council wants you to know: No decision has be made to close the school yet.
It says the school had 21 pupils in September, against room for more than 210, and only three children started in Reception this year. The nursery could not open because there were too few children.
The school had a deficit of £608,299 at the end of March, and the council forecasts this could grow to £2,449,537 by 2030/31 if nothing changes.
If the school does close, the deficit will transfer to the council, and will be their responsibility.
The school is run by an Interim Executive Board, which includes the council and the Diocese of Chester. The board believes closure is the most appropriate way forward, and the diocese agrees.
However, the council says the proposal isn't a result of the school's recent Ofsted inspection, although the council has considered educational standards regarding the proposal being put forward.
It says there are spare places at nearby schools, including Brookhurst, Christ The King Catholic, Heygarth, Mendell and Raeburn primary schools, all under two miles away, and at schools in Cheshire West and Chester.
People can say voice whether they support or oppose the proposal, explain the impact it would have and suggest alternatives. Face-to-face sessions are being held at the school for parents and carers.
We reported earlier this month that the school's future was going before councillors.
When the consultation closes, responses will be considered before a decision is made on whether to publish a formal proposal. That would be followed by a four-week period for objections and a final decision.
If you want to find the proposal and survey, you can find it on the council's Have Your Say website. Paper copies can be requested by emailing schoolsconsultation@wirral.gov.uk.
