YOUR Opinion of April 28 misses the point on two issues.

Townsend School was closed in 2008 because it was failing to deliver an adequate quality of education. Its pupils were placed in other schools where their progress is monitored and their outcomes have improved. At the time of closure, and for the following school years, there were sufficient numbers of primary school places available. It has only been relatively recently that additional reception places have been required. Since 2010, applications have risen by 25 per cent. Over that period, two schools have expanded permanently, and 11 have taken temporary expansions. The local authority makes every effort to ensure that these places are available where they are needed, and the provision is regularly reviewed, but dramatic changes in population patterns can make this difficult.

NICOLE GREENE, Deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for education and children’s services