Peter Shreeve, the Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, has added his views on the proposed primary school reorganisation plans being raised this week at the Isle of Wight council’s Cabinet meeting.
Mr Shreeve told OnTheWight,
“Falling rolls is the main driver for this primary school reorganisation.
“Now we have the initial recommendations of the primary school reorganisation, the reality of yet another school reorganisation is growing.”
Shreeve: Anxiety over uncertainty dominates
The education union rep went on to say,
“For those directly affected, anxiety over uncertainty dominates. Some may reflect on the previous Island-wide reorganisation.
“For others not directly affected, we know it still remains a worrying time. As staff and pupils move schools, closures will create other challenges. No doubt, all will work hard to try and understand how they can cope and integrate within this change.”
The plans
It was announced last week that due to falling birth rates and the number of children entering education, the Isle of Wight council’s Cabinet will vote on whether to launch a public consultation about the closure of six primary schools and a reduction in the Published Admissions Number (PAN) for two other schools.
Parents and staff raised immediate opposition to the plans and a number of campaign groups, petition and meetings were organised.
Plans to increase the level of SEND provision was also announced.
Shreeve: Schools caught in a worsening whirlwind of constant and relentless change
Mr Shreeve ended by saying,
“A suggestion of possible further future primary sector closures exists and demographics are expected to impact on secondary schools.
“Schools appear caught in a worsening whirlwind of constant and relentless change.
“Change which will be challenging to mitigate against, especially with historic and ongoing austerity and rising special needs numbers.”
