ABSTRACT
This chapter offers insights into the relationship between the local authority, the parents, and the governors of one small school. Its inclusion also provides an account of the way in which the number of pupils in a small school gradually slips to a critical level where the local authority may begin to think seriously about closure. Most parents, because their children had not mentioned it or seemed unconcerned, appeared not to take too serious a view, although there were a number of adverse reactions. It seems clear that the decision of parents to pressurize governors in this way had an effect as, for the first time, a commitment was given to hold a full open meeting with parents. Before the annual parents' meeting governors received a long letter from the Assistant Director of Education. According to this letter: It might be helpful for the chairman to introduce the meeting on 14th April by explaining its purpose.
