Members of the National Education Union and Unison will be rallying in Newport Town Centre next Saturday (25th January) in protest of the planned closures of several Isle of Wight primary schools.
It’s said that over 200 teaching and support staff jobs are at risk if the closures of Arreton Primary, Brading Primary, Cowes Primary, Oakfield Primary and Wroxall Primary go ahead.
The final decision will be made in March, with the axe officially falling at the end of August before the start of the new academic year.
The rally is planned for 11.30-12.30 on Saturday 25th January in St Thomas’ Square, Newport.
Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, has said:
“Anxiety has not gone away. Clearly over 200 staff are worried about their jobs. But they are worried about the children too. How are they coping now? How will they continue to be supported?
“Many pupils have already lost their class friends, as they move elsewhere. One member tells of the weekly occurrence of classroom tears as classmates pre-empt any potential school closure and leave their school.
“Closures are supposed to save money and raise standards. A clear contradiction! How will this raise standards?
Article continues below this advertisement “As potential closures draw near, so does the reality and unintended consequences become clearer. Those involved are hoping to share the impact of closures with those willing to listen, as the impact will NOT be without consequences.”
Mark Chiverton, UNISON Branch Secretary, adds:
“This clearly continues to be a massively difficult and unsettling time for children, parents and staff in all schools facing the prospect of closure.
“Over 200 teaching and support staff jobs are at risk and there is a genuine danger of losing the skill, commitment and experience of a huge number people who have given a lifetime of dedicated service to IOW Primary Schools.
“There are still key decisions to be taken by the Council about the future of schools and these will have a major impact on Island education over the years ahead.
“The trade unions are continuing to make important joint representations to Councillors and senior managers and believe that strong public support for the rally on 25 January will be a significant factor in enabling these issues to be taken forward in a positive way.”
Does that mean all the pensioners who had their
Winter fuel allowances taken away from them should
put on a rally!
‘IF CUTS NEED TO BE MADE, THEN THEY NEED TO BE MADE’
You cannot keep schools open just for the benefit of a few
children attending the schools in question.
Shut them down and save money.
Every little helps, we are all in this together!
With a bit of thought other uses could be implemented for empty classrooms rather than close schools,