The leading education officer at the Isle of Wight Council has said controversial plans to shut 6 schools have attracted ‘very considerable interest’.
Speaking at the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, Ashley Whittaker said the council had urged people to speak with ‘compassion and kindness’ throughout the process.
Although mentioning that the principle had not always been adhered to, the officer thanked attendees for following last week’s meeting.
Mr Whittaker said County Hall welcomed the debate and “wide ranging input” it has received over proposals to reduce surplus school places and expand SEND provision across the Island.
In an update to the meeting, he said:
“Just so we’re clear about where we are in the process, we’re in the consultation – it’s live until 1st November.
“And what will then happen is that the outcomes of that consultation will be collated, put together and shared internally amongst the council and with elected members.”
The director of children’s services, young people and families said a cabinet decision on how to proceed following the consultation would take place on 12th December, with relevant documents being published 8 days earlier.
He continued:
“We’ve had very considerable interest from a wide range of people who care deeply about the Isle of Wight – not just from schools that are specifically named but from many other schools and indeed people who don’t have direct links with schools but just have a view and opinion about education on the Isle of Wight.
“We’ve had lots of people who have taken the time to come along and share their views and opinions in face to face meetings but also complete surveys, email in, write in.”
Whittaker acknowledged that the plans covered a “difficult” and “sensitive” topic, with schools playing a substantial role in communities.
What ever needs to be done to save money is the answer.
Pensioners have lost their winter fuel money due to
cost saving.
We are all in it together.
No sh!t Sherlock! Someone should give this guy a highly paid job with little actual work to do. He seems to have a natural flare for stating the obvious. Well done Ash.