Simon is sat within the chamber at County Hall and will be sending through updates of the proceedings. Refresh your browser to view the regular updates. Every effort will be made to accurately report what is being discussed. Ed
[17:57:57] Cabinet is assembled. Written questioners are also in place in the chamber.
[17:59:14] The word is that David Pugh’s speech will be over an hour long!
[17:59:40] 12,000 word is the rumour
[18:01:14] Minutes from last meeting being confirmed
[18:02:46] Cllr Wells declaration of interest. Personal + prejudicial. Relatives work in the schools. Saying it won’t affect his involvement.
[18:03:12] Cllr Wells has left the chamber, with regret.
[18:03:44] Other Cllrs giving declarations, non-prejudicial
[18:03:53] Public questions
[18:04:06] Jonathan Bacon 1st
[18:04:24] Mentions that new drafts of docs in front of us.
[18:05:00] Says it may have answered his question.
[18:06:03] Can St Helen stay open with a half form entry? Clarification is required.
[18:06:46] Pugh: papers have been updated following recent public responses.
[18:07:02] Geoff Lumley – I haven’t seen the new papers.
[18:07:57] Pugh: St Helens – all options are open.
[18:08:12] Next Q – Dave Miller, Cowes
[18:11:15] It’s disappointing that consultation process was not carried out to DCSF guide lines. Can you confirm school children don’t need to transition schools more than currently?
[18:12:10] Pugh: (mixed up answer paper) – Summary – No
[18:13:24] Steve Stubbings : Four areas highlighted remain as high risk after reorg. How can the reorgs go ahead if these things are still a risk?
[18:15:04] Pugh: we have to look at the risks – We are prepared to take decisions that have a risk, but plan to make the right choice.
[18:16:56] James Picket: Question on if two or three tier had been decided to early and not left open.
[18:17:37] Pugh: We see no reason not to continue discussion
[18:19:08] Next Q: Ellen McVicar: (sorry missed that)
[18:19:55] Chris Welsford: Ventnor schools – do all of the options still have a real chance of being implemented?
[18:20:16] Pugh: these will all be debated later.
[18:20:27] Follow up questions
[18:21:37] J Bacon: I didn’t hear a response to the 1/2 form entry. Many of the points from St Helens haven’t been taken account of.
[18:22:11] Pugh: Cabinet members have had the notes we had
[18:23:13] A one form entry is needed.
[18:23:45] Miller: Christ the King to 19?
[18:24:47] Pugh: as it’s vol aided it’s up to them, but within DCFS. It’s outside tonight’s discussions
[18:25:18] Steve Stubbings: You appear to rebutt that the Island results have improved
[18:26:30] Pugh: We do recognise that there has been improvements. Key stage 2 results are the lowest in the country. That’s why we want to keep them in the same school.
[18:27:28] Pickett: the pubic didn’t know that there was an option to not go 2 tier. So the consultation is invalid
[18:27:56] Pugh: the responses show that people didn’t think this. 64 responses.
[18:28:41] McVicar: Middle school teachers affected my these changes.
[18:29:42] Pugh: if we move to a 2 tier structure, all of the teachers of middle school will be needed – there’s no less pupils.
[18:30:19] McVicar; but what about morale of the teachers, when they have to reapply for jobs.
[18:30:44] Pugh: I’ll cover this later in my speech.
[18:31:18] George Brown: The cabinet is not predetermined on this matter, I’d like to make clear.
[18:31:34] End of Q’s
[18:31:44] Move to consideration of paper B
[18:32:20] Pugh to plinth – pouring water.
[18:33:04] Pugh: this will be lengthy
[18:33:31] There’s a revised appendix Q
[18:33:57] Mic problems
[18:36:02] Pugh starts
[18:36:21] We seek to help young people on the Island
[18:36:32] Para 6-9 outline the various consultations
[18:36:47] There’s been forms of consultations since 2004
[18:37:00] Time for debate is over
[18:37:03] Time for change
[18:37:09] (some here here’s)
[18:37:29] In January we published three plans for change
[18:37:54] There was an unprecedented interest from the public
[18:38:08] 69% of respondents wanted two-tier
[18:38:26] Preliminary decision by the cabinet
[18:38:59] On the basis on this framework, informal meetings with headteachers and governors
[18:39:15] 3 June meeting with the Cabinet
[18:39:32] Formal consultations ran 23 June – 10 Oct
[18:39:44] A considerable response
[18:39:54] 1,600 respondents
[18:40:50] This process has galvanised interest in the education system – a good thing
[18:41:19] Now proceed to options
[18:41:33] I do not believe we should go for option A
[18:42:13] Now is a further and final opportunity to make changes
[18:42:44] 55% of representation from school governing bodies support the changes
[18:43:20] I don’t believe that it would be right for officers to question people further
[18:43:58] Option C – recommended. Also allows for further consultations. I recommend it.
[18:44:04] Now is the time to make the change
[18:44:29] Island governors meeting on Sat made it clear that there’s a desire for change
[18:44:48] Items 62-71 – suggesting changes
[18:45:27] proposals proceed with amended appendix Q
[18:45:59] Cab adopt option C – with changes in para 62-71
[18:46:20] seconded
[18:46:37] Five votes for it
[18:47:30] There were a number of representations for and against – we should consider these.
[18:48:24] Two Tier. Professional community support it, even some middle schools. Public did broadly too
[18:49:26] Some proponents have said that a shift to 2 tier might not improve standards
[18:49:36] There is no guarantee
[18:50:46] Island Key stage 3 English & Maths – 146th out of 150 in the UK
[18:51:40] GCSE results are still bad – we’re failing the Island children
[18:52:47] (sorry about this folks, but my typing/visions going a bit blurry on this)
[18:53:38] Lots of comparisons between schools system around the UK, two and three tier
[18:58:25] (Amended decisions
+ The establishment of a new primary (4-11 age range) and secondary (11-19 age range) system of school organisation.
+ to establish the primary sector by enlargement and/or amalgamation of schools and at establishment to have no schools below one form entry (30 pupils maximum in a year group) and no school larger than two form entry (60 pupils maximum in a year group)
+ To establish all community secondary schools as new schools and for them to be let by competition under Education and Inspections Act 2006.
+ Where waivers not granted to new primary schools to establish them by competition under Educations and Inspections Act 2006.)
[18:58:56] (back to Pugh)
accept that rural schools might have less people going to them – this we accept
[18:59:45] We need to have a consistent policy over the whole island (with reference to St Helens having a 1/2 form entry). (So sounds like St Helens won’t have 1/2 form entry)
Simon is sat within the chamber at County Hall and will be sending through updates of the proceedings. Refresh your browser to view the regular updates. Every effort will be made to accurately report what is being discussed. Ed
[17:57:57] Cabinet is assembled. Written questioners are also in place in the chamber.
[17:59:14] The word is that David Pugh’s speech will be over an hour long!
[17:59:40] 12,000 word is the rumour
[18:01:14] Minutes from last meeting being confirmed
[18:02:46] Cllr Wells declaration of interest. Personal + prejudicial. Relatives work in the schools. Saying it won’t affect his involvement.
[18:03:12] Cllr Wells has left the chamber, with regret.
[18:03:44] Other Cllrs giving declarations, non-prejudicial
[18:03:53] Public questions
[18:04:06] Jonathan Bacon 1st
[18:04:24] Mentions that new drafts of docs in front of us.
[18:05:00] Says it may have answered his question.
[18:06:03] Can St Helen stay open with a half form entry? Clarification is required.
[18:06:46] Pugh: papers have been updated following recent public responses.
[18:07:02] Geoff Lumley – I haven’t seen the new papers.
[18:07:57] Pugh: St Helens – all options are open.
[18:08:12] Next Q – Dave Miller, Cowes
[18:11:15] It’s disappointing that consultation process was not carried out to DCSF guide lines. Can you confirm school children don’t need to transition schools more than currently?
[18:12:10] Pugh: (mixed up answer paper) – Summary – No
[18:13:24] Steve Stubbings : Four areas highlighted remain as high risk after reorg. How can the reorgs go ahead if these things are still a risk?
[18:15:04] Pugh: we have to look at the risks – We are prepared to take decisions that have a risk, but plan to make the right choice.
[18:16:56] James Picket: Question on if two or three tier had been decided to early and not left open.
[18:17:37] Pugh: We see no reason not to continue discussion
[18:19:08] Next Q: Ellen McVicar: (sorry missed that)
[18:19:55] Chris Welsford: Ventnor schools – do all of the options still have a real chance of being implemented?
[18:20:16] Pugh: these will all be debated later.
[18:20:27] Follow up questions
[18:21:37] J Bacon: I didn’t hear a response to the 1/2 form entry. Many of the points from St Helens haven’t been taken account of.
[18:22:11] Pugh: Cabinet members have had the notes we had
[18:23:13] A one form entry is needed.
[18:23:45] Miller: Christ the King to 19?
[18:24:47] Pugh: as it’s vol aided it’s up to them, but within DCFS. It’s outside tonight’s discussions
[18:25:18] Steve Stubbings: You appear to rebutt that the Island results have improved
[18:26:30] Pugh: We do recognise that there has been improvements. Key stage 2 results are the lowest in the country. That’s why we want to keep them in the same school.
[18:27:28] Pickett: the pubic didn’t know that there was an option to not go 2 tier. So the consultation is invalid
[18:27:56] Pugh: the responses show that people didn’t think this. 64 responses.
[18:28:41] McVicar: Middle school teachers affected my these changes.
[18:29:42] Pugh: if we move to a 2 tier structure, all of the teachers of middle school will be needed – there’s no less pupils.
[18:30:19] McVicar; but what about morale of the teachers, when they have to reapply for jobs.
[18:30:44] Pugh: I’ll cover this later in my speech.
[18:31:18] George Brown: The cabinet is not predetermined on this matter, I’d like to make clear.
[18:31:34] End of Q’s
[18:31:44] Move to consideration of paper B
[18:32:20] Pugh to plinth – pouring water.
[18:33:04] Pugh: this will be lengthy
[18:33:31] There’s a revised appendix Q
[18:33:57] Mic problems
[18:36:02] Pugh starts
[18:36:21] We seek to help young people on the Island
[18:36:32] Para 6-9 outline the various consultations
[18:36:47] There’s been forms of consultations since 2004
[18:37:00] Time for debate is over
[18:37:03] Time for change
[18:37:09] (some here here’s)
[18:37:29] In January we published three plans for change
[18:37:54] There was an unprecedented interest from the public
[18:38:08] 69% of respondents wanted two-tier
[18:38:26] Preliminary decision by the cabinet
[18:38:59] On the basis on this framework, informal meetings with headteachers and governors
[18:39:15] 3 June meeting with the Cabinet
[18:39:32] Formal consultations ran 23 June – 10 Oct
[18:39:44] A considerable response
[18:39:54] 1,600 respondents
[18:40:50] This process has galvanised interest in the education system – a good thing
[18:41:19] Now proceed to options
[18:41:33] I do not believe we should go for option A
[18:42:13] Now is a further and final opportunity to make changes
[18:42:44] 55% of representation from school governing bodies support the changes
[18:43:20] I don’t believe that it would be right for officers to question people further
[18:43:58] Option C – recommended. Also allows for further consultations. I recommend it.
[18:44:04] Now is the time to make the change
[18:44:29] Island governors meeting on Sat made it clear that there’s a desire for change
[18:44:48] Items 62-71 – suggesting changes
[18:45:27] proposals proceed with amended appendix Q
[18:45:59] Cab adopt option C – with changes in para 62-71
[18:46:20] seconded
[18:46:37] Five votes for it
[18:47:30] There were a number of representations for and against – we should consider these.
[18:48:24] Two Tier. Professional community support it, even some middle schools. Public did broadly too
[18:49:26] Some proponents have said that a shift to 2 tier might not improve standards
[18:49:36] There is no guarantee
[18:50:46] Island Key stage 3 English & Maths – 146th out of 150 in the UK
[18:51:40] GCSE results are still bad – we’re failing the Island children
[18:52:47] (sorry about this folks, but my typing/visions going a bit blurry on this)
[18:53:38] Lots of comparisons between schools system around the UK, two and three tier
[18:58:25] (Amended decisions
+ The establishment of a new primary (4-11 age range) and secondary (11-19 age range) system of school organisation.
+ to establish the primary sector by enlargement and/or amalgamation of schools and at establishment to have no schools below one form entry (30 pupils maximum in a year group) and no school larger than two form entry (60 pupils maximum in a year group)
+ To establish all community secondary schools as new schools and for them to be let by competition under Education and Inspections Act 2006.
+ Where waivers not granted to new primary schools to establish them by competition under Educations and Inspections Act 2006.)
[18:58:56] (back to Pugh) accept that rural schools might have less people going to them – this we accept.
[18:59:45] We need to have a consistent policy over the whole island (with reference to St helens having a 1/2 form entry). (So sounds like St Helens won’t have 1/2 form entry)
[19:01:26] Enlargement of West primary school – so no to be let by competition
[19:02:35] (Vote on item 62, that I just typed out)
[19:03:08] Cllr Abraham 2nd
[19:03:45] Cllr Brown question – Maths and engineering subjects
[19:04:04] Could you comment?
[19:04:26] Maths GCSE results are concerning
[19:05:52] Pugh: We are providing different schools to have different specialisations
[19:07:12] Cllr Joyce: How would the current proposals give pupils choice that they need?
19:07:12Cllr Joyce: How would the current proposals give pupils choice that they need?
[19:08:36] Pugh: smaller secondary schools will need to have ‘intense’ collaboration
[19:08:58] Ryde and Sandown are the large ones
[19:09:36] The 14-19 Trust goals will be established by collaboration
[19:10:55] Cllr Joyce: Would you agree that the support that you’ve had is hardly overwhelming support?
[19:11:49] Pugh: latest consultation had 3,000 – when you made you choice, there were 500.
[19:12:37] Joyce: We allowed a free vote, after the officer had gone off for further research
[19:13:05] Joyce: Why are you not looking at federation, but are paying consultants instead?
[19:14:59] Pugh: Consultant are a “fresh pair of eye”
[19:15:57] Joyce: You mentioned Suffolk – showing the benefits of two tier. Northamptonshire showed the down side of two tier
[19:16:33] Pugh: Officers are looking very carefully to where things didn’t go well at she shift to two tier – hoping to learn form them.
[19:16:46] The vote – five for
[19:17:24] Next item(!) (quick this ain’t)
[19:18:15] + That the Authority should seek to be a ‘proposer’ for any of the schools led by competition (this should allow the Authority to adjudicate the award)
[19:18:47] Cllr Abrahms seconded
[19:19:28] Cllr Brown: was there any support for anything against this?
[19:20:21] Pugh: (lots of chat ….) Summary – No
[19:20:31] Vote – Five for
[19:20:46] Next item
[19:21:07] 70% of the responses are from St Helens and Yarmouth
[19:21:54] A number of valid points have been made that have merit – hence the consultants
[19:22:17] It’s not the volume of responses, but the points they raise.
[19:22:28] We want community support for these changes
[19:23:24] This is really long block of text – no time to type)
[19:23:44] (It’s about the external consultants)
[19:25:11] (Sorry, it’s a panel, not consultants)
[19:26:11] Delegate authorisation for the selection of the Panel to Director of Children & Young people and David Pugh
[19:26:54] We are confident that a detailed report can be created in the time frame (addressing concerns of the public)
[19:27:10] It’ll be three educational professionals
[19:27:37] Report will be 28th Feb 2009, ready for decision at March 2009 Cabinet meeting
[19:28:00] Cllr Brown – seconder
[19:28:34] Cllr Joyce: East Wight area has changed. Why has Bembride been taken out?
[19:28:51] Pugh: There’s no absolute grouping of schools – this changes over time.
[19:29:14] Some schools have their own viability issues
[19:29:33] Bembridge has enough for their own one form entry
[19:30:58] Joyce: I don’t agree with your suggested figures for the future.
[19:31:34] Pugh: We are working with the figures in front of us.
[19:31:47] Bill Bird: Can Local reps make representations to this panel?
[19:31:51] Pugh: Yes
[19:32:11] Cllr Arnold: Why is Chale school not being looked at by Panel?
[19:33:05] Pugh: the number of children in the area don’t even come close to what would be needed. Even as a split site or federated.
[19:34:00] Cllr Churchman: Who will represent Bembridge South as there is no-one representing them?
[19:34:10] Pugh: I’ll leave that to you
[19:35:07] Vote – five in favour
[19:35:55] Next –
para 65. The recommendations in respect of individual schools, as provided in the revised set of recommendations relating to Appendix Q, are approved.
[19:37:05] _Newport Area
[19:38:08] Arreton CE VC Primary
Approve the proposal subject to the achievement of a hard federation by June 2009. If a hard federation is not achieved a statutory notice for the closure of Arreton will be published.
[19:38:52] Chillerton & Rookley primary School
Approve the proposal maintaining the Chillerton & Rookley site until the completion of the new Godshill build.
[19:39:23] (All others are Approve the proposal)
[19:40:02] _Cowes Area
Gurnard Primary School
Approve the proposal. Allow initial establishment at two from entry with review after three years.
[19:40:08] East Cowes Area
East Cowes primary
Approve the proposal subject to the granting of a wavier to competition. That the Director for Children and Young People be authorise (in consultation with the Leader) to review the decision if a wavier to competition is not granted and make a delegated decision to go to competition or to enlargement to achieve the new school.
[19:43:11] Holy Cross RC VA Primary school
Approve the proposal. Authorise officers to finalise agreement over the school’s eventual site with Roman Catholic Diocesan Authority.That
[19:44:27] the Directory of Children and Young people be authorised (in consultation with the Leader), subject to delegated decision, to approve any lease of title in respect of the Whippingham site.
[19:45:39] Whippingham primary School
Approve the proposal subject to the granting of a wavier to competition. That the Director for Children and Young People be authorise (in consultation with the Leader) to review the decision if a wavier to competition is not granted and make a delegated decision to go to competition or to enlargement to achieve the new school.
[19:45:54] _Ryde Area
[19:46:48] Oakfield CE VA Primary School
Approve the Proposal>
(Note the school’s support of a hard federation with Arreton CE VA Primary school does not impact upon the decision for Oakfield)
[19:47:15] Ryde High School
[19:47:53] Approve the proposal and recognise that any future new build of Ryde Secondary School will require the use of Haylands Primary School site.
[19:49:28] Brading CE VA Primary School
An independent panel, as outlined in paragraph 64 of the Cabinet report, should be appointed to review the work of officers and to meet further with the community in order to provide a report and recommendations to the Cabinet on the future of the school by 28 February 2009.
[19:49:39] Nettlestone Primary School
An independent panel, as outlined in paragraph 64 of the Cabinet report, should be appointed to review the work of officers and to meet further with the community in order to provide a report and recommendations to the Cabinet on the future of the school by 28 February 2009.
[19:49:50] St Helen’s Primary School
An independent panel, as outlined in paragraph 64 of the Cabinet report, should be appointed to review the work of officers and to meet further with the community in order to provide a report and recommendations to the Cabinet on the future of the school by 28 February 2009.
[19:50:03] Sandown/Shanklin Area
[19:50:17] Sandown CE VC Primary School
[19:51:22] Approve the amalgamation of Sandown CE VC and St John’s CE VC Primary Schools subject to the granting of a waiver to competition. The two schools to use the existing sites a single leadership and governance.
[19:51:40] St John’s CE VC Primary School
Approve the amalgamation of Sandown CE VC and St John’s CE VC Primary Schools subject to the granting of a waiver to competition. The two schools to use the existing sites a single leadership and governance.
[19:52:39] Sandown High School
Approve the proposal recognising that the new Sandown Secondary school is likely to also use the Sanham Middle School site, subject to any long-term rebuild plans.
[19:52:55] _Ventnor/South Wight Area
[19:53:49] St. Boniface CE VA Primary School
Approve option 1 (the original proposal)
[19:54:02] St Margret’s CE VC Primary School
Approve option 1 (the original proposal)
[19:54:13] St Wilfred’s RC VA Primary School
Approve option 1 (the original proposal)
[19:54:21] _West Wight Area
[19:55:49] Shalfleet CE VC primary School
An independent panel, as outlined in para 64 of the cabinet report, should be appointed to review the work of officers and to meet further with the community in order to provide a report and recommendation to the Cabinet on the future of the school by 28 Feb 2009.
[19:56:04] Yarmouth CE VA Primary Schools
An independent panel, as outlined in para 64 of the cabinet report, should be appointed to review the work of officers and to meet further with the community in order to provide a report and recommendation to the Cabinet on the future of the school by 28 Feb 2009.
[19:57:24] Joyce: If St Helen closes, it will need two buses, and two adults. Will the council bear the costs for this?
[19:58:31] Pugh: don’t want to pre-judge
[19:59:47] youce: Are costs page B 57, item 350 (planning and capacity) – Are they yearly costs or over a number of years?
[20:00:15] Pugh: Not annual
[20:02:17]Joyce: If we can maintain a building as a community centre, it would be a school
[20:03:40] Cllr Churchman: 23 out of 65 schools are church schools. Dios of Portsmouth are having a very strong influence on the education of our future schools for our children.
[20:03:52] they said big is beautiful – this isn’t an Island view.
[20:04:45] Pugh: I’ll ask JFB to comment on this.
[20:05:15] Lots of parents of the Island want to sent their children to faith-based schools
[20:06:06] Very pleased that we’ll be able to offer options at Secondary level
[20:06:56] JFB: Clergy in Ventnor are very supportive of this. Great to have a rebuild of Ventnor Middle – It’s hugely supported.
[20:08:28] Ian Ward: I came along to suggest an amendment, but it’s good to see that it’s included already. We’d like to thank you for listening to our views.
[20:08:58] Pugh: Thank you Mr Ward – great example of the locals bringing a solution to the Centre.
[20:13:25] Cllr Stephens: (Not really sure what he asked, but he said he’d be keeping a close eye on it.)
[20:14:06] Vote – Five in favour
[20:15:33] (Errr … a comfort break)
[20:17:25] (Sorry people … I can’t face it any more. My hands are falling off. I think I’m going to bail.)
Part Two
[20:19:28] IMPORTANT – I missed one school details off. Weston Primary School – Approve Option 2
[20:19:51] OK … I am going to stay
[20:20:26] para 66
That recommendations for transitions and the next stages timeline as provided in Appendix O & P are approved.
[20:22:49] Pugh: There’s still a need for the same number of teachers (broadly). The authority need to maintain support for the Middle schools during the transitions. Section P details the changes
[20:23:08] Detail training programme will be published in 2009
[20:23:33] Thanks to the Children
[20:24:22] Parents have raised the concern over the number of school uniforms that will be needed with schools changing
[20:26:39] Cllr Abraham: Many parents concerned about how the transition will take place. Appendix lays it out well. Can we find a way to get this out to the public/parents?
[20:27:10] Pugh: After tonight, the decision, we can distribute this, poss via One Island
[20:28:52] Cllr Arnold: Concerned about the year 6 children in 2010. Ventnor Middle as an example, in 2010 it will be come a primary school. Concern that the pupils will be demotivated by this, after having left a primary school, to find themselves there again.
[20:29:33] Pugh: it’s not intended that it will be used as a Primary school – as rebuilding will be needed.
[20:30:25] 2011 – Ventnor Middle school under control of the secondary school.
[20:30:59] Primary children will stay at their Primaries until building complete.
[20:31:13] Vote – Five in favour
[20:32:16] Section 67 – That the Directory for Children and Young People be authorised (in consultation with the Leader) to approve and publish the specification for those schools to be let by competition.
[20:34:31] says: Pugh: We want to ensure that the colleges are integrated into these changes. Carisbrooke are concerned about the loss of the Sport specialism (to Sandown). We will consider Carisbrooke views. We want sports at all schools site, but just one with the specialism
[20:34:52] Vote – Five for
[20:38:03] 68 – authorisation to publish Statutory notices.
Quality impact assessment will be carried out for all schools that will be closing.
[20:38:09] Vote – Five
[20:40:14] 69 – Pre-school provision. Co-location with primary schools is preferable.
New contracts will need to be created for pre-schools with primary school changes (some are privately run). Some areas will have pre-schools with no primary schools, where the demand requires.
[20:40:19] Vote – Five in favour
[20:41:12] Pugh: SEN details. Long term intention, trust stntus for current two schools.
[20:41:22] Potential for £1m funding
[20:42:25] Three specialist units in schools currently
Possible that these will be relocated.
[20:42:33] 70 – Transport
[20:42:50] Appendix H cover concerns and suggestions
[20:43:25] Change … bring it to the March 2009 cabinet meeting, rather than January.
[20:44:33] That officers are authorised to provide a full business case analysis for the provision of an appropriate home to school transport system, which will include an escorted primary lift, to the March 2009 Cabinet meeting for decision.
[20:44:44] Vote – Five in favour
[20:45:48] 71 (Last one!) adopt the outline submission for the Building Schools for the future (BSF)
[20:46:30] DCFS are bringing forward the funding
[20:46:40] 2009/10 capital being released
[20:47:18] Areas of grants relevant – £766,000 + others
[20:48:03] £8.3 for the two years for the rebuilding of the primary schools
[20:48:33] Ventnor and Swanmore site are priority
[20:49:43] Two local authorities who didn’t reduce surplus places didn’t get the same level of funding
[20:50:55] Cllr Brown: efficiency of the buildings should be considered a top priority.
[20:51:27] Pugh: Island Plan set out the sustainable buildings plans.
[20:51:55] We don’t just need funding to build them, but also ongoing maintenance
[20:52:53] Cllr Abraham: Want to commend Officers, Alan Wells & The Leader to doing great work
[20:53:33] Vote – Five in Favour
[20:53:52] Pugh: We’ve just completed the final major step in the transformation
[20:54:01] Thanks for everyone for your interest
[20:54:13] I know it’s not been an easy time for many people.
[20:54:43] I believe that what we are doing is right for the children of the Island. That is our driving force.
[20:55:25] Cllr Brown – There have been a couple of ‘hot remarks’ during this process.
[20:55:49] Pugh: I hope we can now put differences aside and work together.
[21:10:19] End of coverage
All of this was typed live on a Blackberry Curve
