An education union says that in light of the Isle of Wight council’s school reorganisation plans, which could see six primary schools close, Government guidance in relation to academies being included in the proposals has been discovered.
Mark Chiverton, UNISON Branch Secretary said,
“There’s a major concern amongst Island school employees of all types that the current consultation exercise being undertaken by the Council about place planning is significantly flawed.
“Staff in council schools are drawing attention to previous assurances given by senior Local Authority representatives that any all-Island review would include consideration of every category of school.
“They’re understandably bemused that Academies appear exempt from the current closure proposals and are expressing deep frustration about what they see as the lack of a level playing field.”
Shreeve: We are unaware of any consultation collaboration
Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“Feelings of unfairness dominate staff within the six schools at risk.
“On reading DfE guidance ‘Closure of an academy by mutual agreement’ emotions of injustice grow.
“This 2023 government academy guidance contains the same principles, that guide the council in the present primary school consultation.
“The guidance expects academies to ‘play an important role in supporting local authorities to manage the school estate effectively’ and ‘understand when the closure of an academy might be an appropriate solution to address standards and/or viability issues’.
“Yet, we are unaware of any consultation collaboration, despite an alleged all-Island school review.
“Why? The key academy document is merely guidance. It is not law. How can this two-tier situation be in the ‘best interests of educational provision’ as a whole?”
The new 75-pupil special needs school
Peter Shreeve went on to say,
“The recent delay of a new Carisbrooke 75-pupil special needs school provides one answer. Despite no academy sponsor coming forward, regulation prohibited the Council from stepping in.
“The impact – 75 pupils are significantly delayed, unable to experience a year’s specialist education in this new specialist school. National Government policy failed these pupils.
“Surely, it’s time for Government to reconsider this perverse policy.”
Bacon: All schools were considered – The ‘academy factor’ then weighed in
OnTheWight approached Councillor Jonathan Bacon, cabinet member responsible for education, to ask whether there were discussion with primary school academies and why they were not included as options in the consultation.
Councillor Bacon told OnTheWight,
“I agree this needs looking at and we are trying, with the help of our MPs, to meet with senior Government ministers to this end, as it is a national issue.
“As I have previously said, all schools were considered. The ‘academy factor’ then weighed in. When introducing the paper at Cabinet I stated that, but for the position in relation to academies we would almost certainly have a different list.”
Article edit
10.45am 23rd Sep 2024 – JB comment added
