Jane Eatwell with daughters Rosie, 10, and Sophie, 8 Picture Ref: 77087-11IRATE mums cornered education bosses last night and gave them a ticking-off for keeping them in the dark over plans to shut their primary school.

The public gallery was packed as more than 30 parents vented their anger at plans to close Salt Way school in West Swindon, which includes a nursery.

Sophie Free, aged eight, who was accompanied by her mother, carried a banner with the words "I am the future don't take my school."

Senior councillors who make up the cabinet later formally approved plans to close the school in January 2006, sparking a further round of consultation.

If the death knell comes later this year 180 primary school-age pupils and 23 tots will have to be found new places.

The council blame a surplus in the number of places and say they can no longer justify throwing cash at schools that are not full.

They reminded parents that Swindon has the 24th worst-funded council in the country.

Previously, the council has admitted that there are not enough places in neighbouring schools like Brookfield, Tregoze and Shaw Ridge, to offer places to all pupils.

This has sparked rumours among parents that children will be taught in temporary class-rooms.

Hilary Pitts, director of education and Coun Gary Perkins, lead member for education, must have thought the grilling was over when the next item on the agenda was announced.

But the mob lead by teaching assistant Lynda Stevens had other ideas.

They continued their noisy protest outside in the corridor forcing Coun Perkins to usher them into another committee room.

Mrs Stevens received cheers from parents when she levelled criticism at the headteacher, Sue Butcher, who was not at the meeting.

A recent Ofsted report also directed blame at management.

"The head is not a good communicator if a new one could be put in, it would be fantastic," said Mrs Stevens.

"Because of her actions we have lost numbers."

Mrs Pitts said she understood the parent's concerns but refused to be drawn into a discussion as to whether the headteacher is up to the job.

"It is not the right time in a public meeting to criticise the head teacher."

After the meeting she said: "I understand the strength of feeling surrounding the possibility of the school closing.

"We have arranged three meetings at different times of day on Wednesday to discuss the issue fully with staff, parents and governors."

Mother-of-two Jane Eatwell, whose children, Rosie, 10, and Sophie, eight, both carried placards reckons the fate of the school has already been decided.

"I will not let my children be taught in mobile classrooms," said Miss Eatwell, of Castleton Road, Middleleaze.

"I'll teach both my children at home if I have to."

The meetings next Wednes-day for parents take place at 2.15pm and 5.30pm.

Kevin Shoesmith