Parents of students attending primary schools that are to close in June have been given the option to register their children at any existing or future parish primary school with available spaces.

Crystal Caesar, who took over from Diallo Rabain as Minister of Education this week, said during a meeting on Tuesday evening at Gilbert Institute Primary School that all decisions around school closures under the Government’s education reform plans are “final”.

Gilbert Institute and Prospect Primary School are scheduled to close their doors in June.

Some parents have protested the decision and said they have limited options for where to send their children after closure.

However, the ministry insisted spaces are available.

During the meeting, Ms Caesar shared “detailed” transition plans for students attending Gilbert Institute.

Information will also be made available for students of Prospect Primary.

A spokeswoman for the ministry said the department: “Provided the option for parents to register at any school designated to be a parish primary school providing there is space. [It has also] increased available spaces in specific year levels.”

Protesters gathered on and before election day, when they expressed concerns that proper transition plans were not in place.

Ms Caesar said at the meeting: “My team and I are here to listen to those concerns, and are dedicated to offering clarity and support throughout this process.

“The department will arrange follow-up meetings before the end of the school term as an additional opportunity to engage, and provide further information and updates.

"The ministry's open-door policy will continue to welcome your feedback."

The ministry spokeswoman said that attendees received information on decision-making, student placement plans and resources available to support families.

She said: “Parents were highly engaged in the meeting, raising many important questions addressed by department and ministry representatives.”

Department staff said that as of February 25, 43 out of 45 parents of Gilbert Institute had placements confirmed for September.

The spokeswoman added: “Acceptance letters will be sent during the first week of March allowing parents to review and consider additional options, should they wish.

“The department will contact the remaining two parents to confirm their children’s placements this week.

“To further ensure a smooth transition, two dedicated teams at Gilbert Institute — the Department of Education's School Closure Committee and the School-Based Transition Team — will oversee the closure process by providing parents and students opportunities to engage in activities to provide smooth integration at their new school of choice.

“This model will also be replicated for the Prospect Primary School.”