Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for Children’s Services and Education shares this statement regarding the future of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School. In her own words. Ed
When this administration took office in May 2021 it inherited a consultation about the future of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School with an emphasis on the potential amalgamation with Godshill, therefore effectively closing Chillerton and Rookley.
Many members of the new administration were concerned by the consultation initiated by the previous administration and the direction of travel towards closure and made public commitments that they would do everything possible to prevent the closure of small village primary schools on the Island.
We believe that schools are one of the fundamental pillars of a community and that they play a vital and central role in village life, especially within our rural communities. There are social as well as economic benefits to children of primary age attending local schools with small classes.
Chillerton and Rookley Primary School will remain open
We intend to honour those commitments and in line with our corporate priority of providing local schools for local children, I can announce today that Chillerton and Rookley Primary School will remain open, and we won’t be proceeding with issuing a public notice to commence amalgamation with Godshill leading to closure.
This announcement ends the uncertainty around the future of the school, and we hope that more parents will want to apply for places at their local school, confident that there will be continuity in their child’s academic journey.
Pay tribute to staff’s professionalism
Throughout this period of uncertainty, the headteacher, staff and governors have continued, under difficult circumstances, to maintain the quality of education on offer at both Godshill and Chillerton and Rookley and I would like to pay tribute to their professionalism.
It is important that we continue to focus on improving the quality of education so that children experience high-quality provision including a rich and rounded curriculum. I have therefore asked officers to ensure the school is well supported moving forward so that it has the necessary capacity to deliver the ambitions we all share for our Island children.
Options being investigated
Education Officers are now investigating options as to how we support our smaller and more rural primary schools so that they can be sustained during periods of falling numbers and financial challenges, particularly in light of the Government’s new White Paper on education.
The Alliance Administration is committed to this course and I am working closely with the officers who have been tasked with working up viable proposals, so that they can be brought forward as soon as possible for consideration.
Ellis: Welcome any initiative that would see high quality and sustainable education
Upon hearing the news, Cllr Suzie Ellis, IW Councillor for Central Rural, told News OnTheWight,
“I am pleased that an announcement has been made on the future of Chillerton and Rookley School.
“I welcome any initiative that would see high quality and sustainable education delivered locally, and I look forward to hearing the Cabinet Member’s detailed proposals for delivery, given the increasing number of surplus primary places across the Island.”
Article edit
10.50am 10th May 2022 – Comment from SE added
