The leading education officer at the Isle of Wight Council has said controversial plans to shut six schools has 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 it at yesterday’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 November 1.
“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 December 12, with relevant documents being published eight 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.
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