Local unions, the Diocese of Portsmouth and Joe Robertson MP have all given their reactions to last night’s news that Arreton and Cowes Primary Schools will be closing, but that Brading, Oakfield and Wroxall have been saved.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the decision was made by the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet to close 2 of 5 schools originally earmarked for closure. A sixth, Godshill, was also at risk but a decision was taken early on to remove the school from consultation.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon – the education lead for the Alliance administration – was absent from last night’s crucial meeting. It has emerged he resigned ahead of the meeting, with a full statement on his decision set to be issued later this morning.
Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, has said:
“Although pleased the closure of three schools was rejected, the closure of two is concerning.
“Regrettably, not all questions were heard and not all questions were answered prior to the vote. Many to receive a written answer after the vote? Democracy at work?
“After listening to passionate questions from parents, staff and a councillor speaking as an individual, it was clear that sentiment agreed with Tuesday’s scrutiny panel’s recommendation?
“Statutory guidance says scrutiny is ‘fundamentally important to the functioning of local democracy.’ Whatever your thoughts, pupils, families and officers will have to pick up the pieces and look to the future.
Article continues below this advertisement “Those schools not closing, already exhausted by the fight, will remain robust and welcome normality.
“Trade unions have played a sustained supportive role during this situation. We will continue to support those at Arreton and Cowes. We now expect the council to focus on saving jobs and the skills of teachers and support staff, so they can continue providing much needed support to Island children.
“Parents, their children, communities and staff must feel any future consultation is open and fit for purpose.
“We can only hope, that if such a consultation happens again, it is felt to be more inclusive and equitable from the outset for all stakeholders.“
Mark Chiverton (UNISON Branch Secretary), has added:
“UNISON welcomes the fact that three schools have been reprieved and that the Council Cabinet has at last listened to the voices of parents, staff and the wider Brading, Oakfield and Wroxall communities.
“All education trade unions have played a significant role by working closely together throughout a lengthy campaign which has included organising well attended rallies, asking questions at key meetings and making many representations to senior Councillors and managers both in public and behind the scenes.
“Consultation ballots on industrial action have also been organised in response to the massively strong feelings amongst school staff about the proposed school closures.
“Trade unions continue to believe that the whole consultation process has been badly flawed and will be pressing for urgent talks about the implications for the school communities at Arreton and Cowes which still face the prospect of imminent closure.
“There remains a high risk of dozens of compulsory redundancies and the consequent loss of many vastly experienced and highly committed school staff.
“UNISON stands firmly alongside all those campaigning groups who are continuing the fight to prevent school closures and to ensure the maximum possible continuity and security for children and their families.”
Joe Robertson MP, for Isle of Wight East, has said:
“I am glad that each of the three primary schools in the East Wight have been saved from closure.
“I have publicly supported three hard fought local campaigns in Brading, Oakfield and Wroxall and pay tribute to the parents, staff and residents for making such a strong case for their schools. In particular, I thank councillors Rodney Downer and Michael Lilley and community campaigners like Nick Binfield, Kate Benson, David Groocock and Aviv Goode for engaging me with their community groups.
“Isle of Wight East is the second most left behind constituency in the country and closing these 3 primary schools will not help. I have written to the Government to ask them to support us. We now have the data to show that the Government needs to start delivering on their “five missions” here in the East Wight.”
Jeff Williams, director of education for the Church of England’s Diocese of Portsmouth, says:
“The decision by the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet demonstrated that councillors have listened to our repeated concerns, as well as concerns expressed by the Isle of Wight Council’s Scrutiny Committee, and the indicative vote of the whole Isle of Wight Council.
“We are therefore pleased that the proposed closure of Oakfield and Brading CofE Primary Schools, and Wroxall Primary School have been rejected by the Cabinet.
“We remain concerned regarding the process that led to the decision to close Arreton St George’s CofE Primary School and Cowes Primary School. We are therefore taking legal advice and will continue to consider all options as advised”.
Commenting on the savour of Oakfield Primary, parent representative Jen Hughes has said:
“This is what happens when a community takes on an unfair and unjust decision. We kept the faith and we won.
“Our teaching staff are an absolute credit to us. Special mentions to Reverend David, Councillor Michael Lilley, Heath Monaghan, our chair of governors, Helen, the board of governors, the Diocese (of Portsmouth) and our wonderful head Vikki Reader for everything they’ve done.
“I am beyond proud of our community, it’s been an absolute honour to be a part of this and the outcome was worth all the hard work we all put in.”
Local ward councillor Michael Lilley adds:
“I am delighted that the cabinet has listened to my residents, parents and children who live in my ward and are connected to Oakfield School.
“I have to praise the sheer commitment, determination, courage and bravery of the Oakfield staff and parents who fought hard to save their school and speak for one of the most left behind deprived communities in Ryde and Isle of Wight.
“I thank the Bishop of Portsmouth, his education team, local clergy and Ryde Town Council for their total support and belief that Oakfield is more than a school but is an essential community hub.
“I am glad commonsense has prevailed.”
On Wroxall’s future, Councillor Rodney Downer has paid tribute to the Save Wroxall School campaign, describing it as a big team effort.
He said:
“This is a fantastic result for Wroxall. The saving of a precious school community and the fabric of the village. It was a big team effort involving many people.
“I would like to pay tribute to Save Wroxall School, the school governors, headteacher and staff and indeed all staff at the school – noting their professional approach during this traumatic and stressful period.
“Also thanking the parish council for providing meetings and Stenbury Hall. Wroxall Woolies for also providing a meeting place to meet parents. Residents of Wroxall for their support.
“Thank you to everyone and now the school can go forward and continue its nurturing and inspiring experience for all pupils.”
Bacon is fried though, just hate to think where he is going to pop up next and cause utter chaos. NO SCHOOLS should be closed, but then think about it, and educated society wants rights when they get older, if you don’t educate kids you can dumbed down people later in life to the point where governments and councils can do anything they want, not unlike Heir Starmer right now, Don’t want too sound far right though.