Members of the West and Central Wight Labour Party have raised concerns about the forthcoming closure of All Saints Primary School in Freshwater.
In light of the pandemic, Labour members say they have concerns over the intention to close the All Saints School site and the proposed increase in the number of children to attend Yarmouth Primary School.
They say that it will be very difficult to comply with Government guidance on social distancing in schools if the number of children who attend Yarmouth is increased so dramatically.
According to Gareth Page, Chair of the local party, there is no legislative necessity for any rush with closing the All Saints site and delays to the planning process caused by COVID-19 mean that renovation work is unlikely to commence next academic year.
In a statement, Mr Page has said:
“We urge those responsible for the implementation of this plan to reconsider the timing of this transition and look at ensuring the school site in Freshwater can continue to be utilised throughout the COVID-19 crisis, thus providing the opportunity for the greatest number of children to access full time education while protecting the health of all in our community”.
