Islanders have given their reaction to the Isle of Wight cabinet’s school consultation vote yesterday evening in Newport.
The cabinet’s decision to go ahead with cabinet member Jonathan Bacon and director of children’s services Ashley Whittaker’s consultation has continued to cause controversy as it could mean the closure of six primary schools.
Jen Hughes, a 40-year-old Ryde mother who started a petition to save Oakfield CE Primary School, said she was “devastated” and “disappointed”.
She commented:
“I don’t feel that the concerns of the community of Oakfield Primary School have been addressed.
“I feel that all the questions that were posed received quite blanket answers devoid of any actual solution or answer.
“I really don’t feel that the considerations of the mental health of the people in our ward have been considerded at all – the high pupil premium, the SEND population, all the children that go to our school.
“If you read the Ofsted reports they state we are a happy and inclusive school – there are plenty of positives in those Ofsted reports.”
Councillor Suzie Ellis, who represents the Central Rural ward on the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“Whilst I fully support the long-overdue school place planning strategy for Island Schools, I was devastated to learn that both remaining primary schools in Central Rural – Godshill and St Georges, Arreton – are among the six primary schools named for consultation on closure.
“Together with Wroxall Primary, this decision could leave the rural centre of the Island, and some 400 children, entirely without primary provision.
“Since last Wednesday’s announcement, I have visited both schools to offer my support, attended an information evening held for parents at Godshill, spoken with many parents, and am working closely with headteachers and governors to explore alternative solutions that would not leave the rural centre of the Island without primary provision.
“There is an absolute need for change, but we must ensure it’s the right change, incorporating compromise and sustainability for our communities.”
Jonathan Bacon, cabinet member for children’s services, education and corporate functions, said:
“I’m pleased it was passed because I think it is the right thing to do.
“I think it was a difficult decision for all of us round the table – nowhere near as difficult as it was for many in the public gallery and listening online to take on board.
“But we are now launched on a process that I will hope, and will aim as best I can to direct, be as open and transparent as possible so all those concerns, fears, wishes that we heard about tonight are considered, actively considered and dealt with as part of the process we’re now going to follow.”
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