The National Union of Teachers have submitted a detailed response to the Isle of Wight council’s consultation on the future of school places.
The full details can be found in the document embedded below, but highlights include:
- The NUT is not in favour of another large-scale reorganisation of schools based around the formation of a centralised sixth from college based in Newport.
- 70% of NUT members surveyed don’t believe that the Isle of Wight school system could withstand another reorganisation
- Isle of Wight schools are experiencing problems with teacher retention and recruitment
- Merging Medina and Carisbrooke is the option with the most risks
- Carrying out a school rebuild at the same time would multiply these risks.
- Urges the Isle of Wight Council to explore other means of securing financial savings in the school provision
- Based on the consultation document, the NUT does not recognise the urgency regarding funding for the sixth forms.
- The NUT recommends that further research be carried out in this area
Recommendations
The document sets out the NUT’s recommendations which include:
- The Isle Of Wight Council needs to allow the changes from the last reorganisation to run their course before embarking on a new whole-scale reorganisation of schools. There needs to be a thorough evaluation of the legacy and effectiveness of the previous reorganisation.
- The Isle of Wight Council should carry out an assessment of how current sixth form funding is spent in schools. Where necessary, rationalisation of the current provision should be carried out based on evidence.
- It is no longer sufficient to make structural changes to the schools without considering the possible unintended consequences. Running alongside any further reorganisation of island schools, there needs to be a clear strategy for retaining and attracting good teachers. We recommend that the Isle of Wight Council commission an independent assessment of retention and recruitment of teachers on the Island. Further consideration should be given to a London style salary weighting for the Island.
Update: 5 May 2015: Removed section referring to Ryde School. Seeking clarification.
Image: Todd Binger under CC BY 2.0
