‘Focus on the human impact’ – those are Councillor Suzie Ellis’ words to her fellow councillors following the news that the Isle of Wight Council plans to push ahead with its controversial plans to close 6 local primary schools.
The Isle of Wight Council yesterday (Wednesday) stated its intention to proceed with the proposed plans to close a total of 6 Island primary schools.
2 of those schools – Godshill and Arreton – are in Councillor Ellis’ Central Rural ward. The other schools ‘on the chopping block’ are; Cowes Primary, Oakfield Primary, Wroxall Primary and Brading Primary.
Back in October – as previously reported by Island Echo – Cllr Ellis called for a ‘fair approach’ to be taken. Following last year’s closure of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School, these additional proposals would result in the loss of all primary schools in her ward.
Currently there are around 2,300 unfilled primary places at schools across the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Wight Council claims.
Speaking on the decision, Cllr Ellis has said:
“I am deeply disappointed and saddened by the outcome of the consultation, which has resulted in both Godshill and Arreton Primary Schools being named in the report going to Cabinet next week. The report seeks authority to proceed to Stage 2 of the statutory consultation process and to publish final closure notices.
“As well as the devastating impact this will have on staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community, I remain deeply concerned about the vast rural “desert” this will leave at the heart of the Island. This decision threatens to erase vital community hubs and leave families in our rural areas with no access to local education. The school place planning strategy should be underpinning improved outcomes for our children and young people. Closing good schools that are currently viable as part of this strategy is completely counterproductive.
Article continues below this advertisement “I also remain concerned that due process has not been fully followed and that alternative proposals and concerns raised during the consultation have not been given genuine consideration.
“As the report is considered by the Children’s Services and Corporate Scrutiny Committees ahead of the final decision by Cabinet, I urge my fellow councillors to focus on the human impact—on the staff, pupils, parents, and communities who will bear the brunt of these closures. This is a time to prioritise compassion, thoughtfulness, and the needs of those most affected.”
A report outlining the recent consultation responses received and information gathered will be taken to Cabinet on 12th December 2024 to decide if the proposals should continue to the formal statutory consultation stage.
If approved, statutory Public Notices would be published early in the new year. This is a four-week period in which any representations can be made to the local authority. A final report would then be taken to the Cabinet.
Any proposed closures or changes would be implemented for 31st August 2025.
This current Labour Government are imposing
more cuts than a Turkish barbers.
They have attacked the pensioners, the farmers
and small businesses, now the children.
You get what you voted for!
All this sponsored ball sh*t about the £22 Billion
Black Hole, just get back the missing £37 Billion
the cons squandered during the Plandemic.
Then we can all have a tax decrease.
If there are 2,300 unfilled places, then it is obvious
Schools will have to close.
Alternatively move over numerous families
with children from the mainland to fill these
vacant places, then the schools can stay open.
What’s the betting then local persons will
moan.
You can’t have your cake and eat it!
There’s not enough money to keep schools open that haven’t got all their laces filled. Simple economics. Like keeping a shop open with too few customers. Hard on those that are currently attending but can’t be sustained long term. All the campaigns in the world cannot change the long term solution.