Two of the Isle of Wight's five under threat primary schools have had their closures confirmed last night, while three were given the green light to continue (Thursday).
Brading, Oakfield and Wroxall primary schools will continue to educate Island children, but the closure of Arreton and Cowes has been confirmed.
Commenting on the final Cabinet decision to close two primary schools and keep three open, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, 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.
“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.“
In the build up to last night's delayed vote, campaigners were seen rallying for the five under threat schools, and there was jubilation in the public gallery when it was decided that three of them were to remain open for the foreseeable future.
Mark Chiverton (UNISON Branch Secretary) said:
"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.”
Jeff Williams, director of education for the Church of England’s Diocese of Portsmouth said: “The decision by the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet (tonight/last night) 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.
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