Regular readers will remember that in October last year, Chale School were given a last chance to try to save their school from closure (as a result of the massive school reorganisation).
The Isle of Wight Council permitted them a two month period to put together a proposal for federation.
As many readers will be aware, the village have been battling hard to save their primary school, which they say will rip the heart out of the community if it is lost.
Federation could be the lifeline for the school as it would mean the site would continue to operate for age 4-7 year olds.
The battle has been long and hard, one local resident Dave Botha felt that his words of objection fell on deaf ears and he later reported the IWC to the ombudsman for using what he felt was inappropriate and misleading research in their justification for closure.
Diocese supports federation
Readers may remember that the diocese had originally supported closure, but later did a u-turn, announcing their support for federation after a local supporter of the school wrote to the Arch Bishop, Dr Rowan Williams to ask for help.
Other schools reject proposal
We understand that although the proposal for federation was sent out to the other schools who would be affected; Chillerton and Rookley Primary School; Godshill Primary School and Wroxall Primary School, they all stated that they would not support the proposed federation.
Officer’s recommend closure
In a detailed report on the subject of federation, the Isle of Wight Council say it would cost too much per pupil to run and wouldn’t not meet the criteria of the Schools Reorganisation, so they are still recommending closure.
This recommendation will come as a blow to the community who have been working hard over the last year to save the school from closure.
You can read the recommendation in full on the IWC Website
