LONGSIGHT Primary School in Harwood has been earmarked for closure in a controversial move which is being strongly opposed by parents.

Reporter JANE BULLOCK went into the school to experience a day in the life of the teachers, pupils and parents

THE bell rings and children race into the building in the same way as youngsters have for the past 40 years, but this routine could soon disappear if Longsight School closes.

The day-to-day conversation among parents in the playground has changed dramatically, with many of the mothers filling up with tears when asked about plans for their children if the school has to close in August.

Jennifer Halton is a dinner lady at the school and is determined to keep Longsight open as her two daughters are so happy there.

She said: "I think the whole thing is disgusting. Longsight was my first choice of school and I don't want them going anywhere else.

"If we're given places at a school I'm not happy with then my daughters will stay at home."

Father-of-two Barrie Jackson feels betrayed by the Government for what is happening at the school. He has been thrilled with the progress made by his 10-year-old son Alex, who is autistic.

"Labour has always said 'education, education, education' and talked about smaller class sizes and now this is happening.

"We moved to this area especially for our children to come to Longsight. Alex needs routine and this will disrupt his life," he said.

Parents' conversation might be gloomy, but the atmosphere in the school remains optimistic with teachers doing their best to keep the working day as normal as possible despite the difficult circumstances.

Youngsters arrive at the Harwood school from 7.45am onwards to enjoy breakfast and an early morning computer game at Longsight Kids Club.

The club, which was set up three years ago, is a brightly coloured home from home for 20 children and a lifeline for working parents who feel secure leaving their loved ones under the watchful gaze of Penny Elrington and her team of helpers.

Penny, who rents the room from the school and also provides holiday care, describes the laidback atmosphere of play and chit chat as being "just like the Waltons", with the older pupils helping to lay the breakfast table for the younger children.

For Amanda Shaw, Longsight Kids Club means she can work full-time without having to fret about her seven-year-old son, Richard.

She said: "Richard comes before and after school and loves it. It's not just about childcare, but the fact I know he is happy and being looked after. If the school closes, then I don't want him to go to another club and I will have to work part-time."

While many older pupils have expressed fears about the school closing, the younger ones happily plough on as normal.

Members of the Early Years Group are busy building, colouring, dressing up and laughing with manageress Sheila Northrop who moved into the school in 1982, but has run the same group for 20 years at a nearby church hall.

The youngsters often play with the reception class pupils and many members of the Early Years group join the school at the age of four.

Mrs Northrop said: "We've got to stay cheerful for the children, but I am very worried about what is going to happen in the summer and we feel like we're in a state of limbo."

Reception and Year One pupils had been looking forward to a tour of Harwood for three weeks and thanks to some dry weather, finally had the chance to go out with teacher Joan England.

Mrs England said: "This group of children get excited about everything! We looked at all different types of houses and building materials and they loved it.

"I feel really sorry for what is hanging over the children, but we have to make this time happy for them."

Year Five teacher Carol Wright is the longest serving member of staff and joined the school 29 years ago.

She said: "It's just very sad. If the school closes, it will leave a big hole in the community."

Dinner hour at Longsight is always a lively affair with children playing table football, snooker and racing about in the playground.

Year Five pupil Samantha Ainsworth is a big fan of the dinner hour and said: "I've got lots of friends here and it's a nice place to come to school. We've got lots to do in playtime."

Fellow Year Five pupil Ruth Irwin is full of enthusiasm for her Postwar Years project, but admits Art is her favourite subject.

The 10-year-old said: "I wanted to write about mass media in the 1960s. It seems a long time ago, but then the Roman times are even longer ago.

"I think it's silly if the school closes because we all love it here."

An afternoon moment of calm arrives in the shape of the assembly which has been moved from the morning to provide maximum time for studying.

The whole school gets together for a singsong, prayers and the chance for youngsters to share news, including birthdays, and achievements such as music and ballet certificates.

As the children file out of assembly, they have just one more class before the end of the day with plenty of them staying for choir practice.

Parent governor and mother-of-two, Jane Ramm, perfectly sums up the ethos at Longsight when she says: "This is a school where the kids don't want to go home -- they love it."