North Yorkshire Council closed the school in 2023 due to falling pupil numbers and there was just one child on its books when the decision was made. Skelton cum Newby Parish Council has been working to bring the former school building back into use and has now announced that Baldersby Park Montessori Nursery is set to take on the space. The nursery currently offers early years provision at a site nearby in Topcliffe.
“It will also mean we can extend learning with the immediate surroundings such as Newby Hall, which will be of even further benefit to the children on their early years’ learning journey.” Guy Critchlow, chair of Skelton cum Newby Parish Council added: “Every thriving community needs a good nursery, like the Baldersby Park Montessori Nursery, to support the growing number of young families choosing Skelton and the surrounding area as their home.