On the same day the Isle of Wight was chosen as a ‘Education Investment Area’ by the Government, Council officers from Hampshire published a report recommending the closure of yet another rural primary school.
The report advises Cabinet members to close Chillerton and Rookley Primary School, which has a financial deficit of £80,374.
It recommends a merger with Godshill Primary which is £136,052 in arrears and ‘Requires Improvement’ according to the most recent Ofsted full inspection.
Legal covenant
Last autumn a legal covenant was discovered by campaigners which states the premises can only be used for an elementary school. The report did not explicitly state how the school could be closed without breaching this legal contract.
SOS: Report fails to address the massive impact that closure will have
A spokesperson from the Save our School group said,
“Legal documents like this mean something. I am calling on politicians, especially those who opposed the closure prior to the election, to do the right thing.
“The report which has been written by staff based in Winchester fails to address the massive impact that closure will have on the community, staff, children and their families.”
News shared by Keith on behalf of the Save our School Group, in his own words. Ed
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview
