Parents marched through Newport town centre this morning (Monday) in protest at County Hall plans that could see the closure of six primary schools.
Holding placards reading ‘Small Local Schools are the BEST’, ‘Hey, STARMER, Help us Save our Schools!’ and ‘Save Wroxall Primary’, Islanders processed from St James’ Square along the High Street to County Hall.
Slogans including ‘Funds 4 Education’ also appeared in brightly coloured chalk on the pavement surrounding the Queen Victoria Memorial assembly point.
One mother, Katie Jones, said the council proposals were “not necessarily the right way forward”.
She said:
“Our children go to one of the schools on the list and we just feel it shouldn’t close.
“I think the small schools have so much to give to the children.”
As the march got underway, a chorus of ‘Save Our School’, tooting party horns and clattering could be heard above the midday traffic.
Another, Sarah Cole, said:
“It’s messing with their education – they’ve already had a lot of missed school from Covid.
“It seems to me the council have already made up their mind and this is just ticking a box.”
Monday’s march forms part of an ongoing wave of concern from parents and others in the wider community.
Last Thursday, parents posed questions to County Hall’s Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.
Queries from the public gallery included how children can be involved in the consultation on reducing surplus school places and expanding SEND provision and whether the council has taken into account transport implications such as “considerable” journey costs for parents.
In a report included on Thursday’s meeting agenda, national body the Local Government Association (LGA) swung behind the council proposals.
The LGA endorsed Jonathan Bacon and Ashley Whittaker’s reasoning behind school closures, saying it “links directly” to better educational outcomes.
Both Bacon and Whittaker have said surplus places result in an inefficient use of resources which in turn limits pupils’ attainment.
Council's 'Flawed' School Proposals Slammed By Isle Of WIght Trade Unionist
Isle Of Wight Quarry Land Restoration Could Continue For Two More Years
Islanders Have Their Say On Proposed School Closures
County Hall 'Welcomes Debate' Over Controversial School Closure Plans
Great South Run Cancelled Due To Weather Alert As Storm Ashley Moves In
Island Residents Invited To Help Shape Future Priorities For Local Health Services
Isle Of Wight Musculoskeletal Service Innovating To Ensure Patients Get Right Care
Fourth Time Lucky Hope For Contentious Freshwater Conversion Bid
Plans Afoot For Shorwell's Iconic White Lady Bridge
Critical Care Charity Receives Donation From Hampshire Housebuilder
Isle Of Wight Council Forecast To Overspend By Almost £6m This Year
Isle Of Wight Council Reveals Investment Fund Assets On The Rise
National Body Steps In To Remedy Isle Of Wight School Closures Furore
Isle Of Wight Council Secures Government Funding To Bring Forward Disused Site For New Homes
Island Roads Hails New Traffic Surveillance Cameras
Cabinet To Consider Future Arrangements For Public Health On Isle Of Wight
Isle Of Wight Council Land Sale Could Create More Than 100 Jobs
Increased Fee Bombshell For Summoned Islanders Failing To Pay Council Tax
Seventeenth Century Shanklin Summerhouse In House Transformation Proposal
Ryde On Time: "Dangerous" Wall Demolished Near School
