Andrew Turner the Island’s MP together with Councillors newly responsible for Education on the Island have organised an information event for parents to find out more about new schools that will be offering education on the Island in the future.
The event will be held at the Riverside Centre, Newport on 6th June at 6.30pm.
Two new schools
The Studio School in East Cowes has already been approved and will open its doors in September 2014 and it was officially announced this morning that the Island Free School planned for the South Wight area will welcome pupils from September next year.
There are also proposals for a Primary Free School, which it is hoped will open in September 2015.
Presentations
Representatives from each of the schools will give a short presentation and the event is also being supported by the Department for Education.
All are welcome whether as parents of prospective pupils as well as those with some other interest in Education on the Island.
Mr Turner said,
“Each of these schools will offer an education that is unique; different from the other schools on the Island and each other. As a former teacher and education specialist I know that the structure of any school is not particularly important – what happens in the classroom is what matters. But I also know that there is some confusion about exactly what these new types of schools are and what they will offer. I am particularly glad that Councillors responsible for education will be there to hear about the new school plans, and perhaps even more importantly find out what parents expect and want from schools. Because these will be brand new schools, prospective pupils and their parents won’t be able to see them in action beforehand – but this event is to help them find out more about what is planned and decide if these are schools they want to consider for their children.”
Cllr Richard Priest the Independent Councillor responsible for Children’s Services said,
“This event provides an opportunity for parents and other stakeholders to hear about proposed developments on the Island, as well as meet officials from the Department for Education. The event is a further positive example of the collaborative approach being taken by the new Council, and working with Cllrs. Chris Whitehouse and Daryll Price, of UKIP and Andrew Turner MP already demonstrates a shared commitment to address the serious challenges that face the Island.”
His views were endorsed by Cllr. Chris Whitehouse, a Conservative Councillor working with Richard with special responsibility for Education said:
“For too long, too many of our children have had too little choice and too little opportunity to excel. That must change. Parents can be confident that in working with Cllr. Priest and Andrew Turner collaboratively in this vital policy area I will personally be doing all that I can to help improve the start in adult life we give to the next generation. I am keen to learn more about these proposals for new schools and to find out from parents what their priorities are.”
Image: Biblio Archives under CC BY 2.0
