This in from the council. In their own words. Ed
Following the fire at the Island Learning Centre on 17 July 2015, Isle of Wight Council teams, together with colleagues from Hampshire and the Island Learning Centre have agreed an initially, short-term solution for relocation of the school to ensure that operations can continue in the Autumn term.
New site
From September, the school will be located at the former Hunnyhill Primary School, Albany Road in Newport.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“There is a very short window over the summer holidays to ensure that a facility is brought up to specification required to ensure that pupils and staff can move into the building in the new term. We are confident that the site at Hunnyhill will, however, be ready and will provide a very welcome new home for the Island Learning Centre.”
Cost being investigated
Costs for the refurbishment of Hunnyhill, to ensure that it meets the needs of the Island Learning Centre, are being investigated.
The cost will be met from insurance on the now-former Island Learning Centre site at Lake, which was destroyed in the fire and will be demolished imminently.
Pegler: “Pleased to find a workable solution”
Tom Pegler, Headteacher of the Island Learning Centre, said:
“After the devastating events of last week, I feel very grateful and pleased that we have managed, with the Isle of Wight Council, to find a workable solution to our relocation so quickly.
“Obviously, there will be some challenges, both in terms of getting the building ready in time for the new term, and in settling our staff and pupils into the new site from September. I am confident that we will be able to achieve our ambitions and that our new home will cater fully for our needs.
“This has been a disastrous event for our children, who are some of the most vulnerable children on the Island. I am so impressed and grateful for how the community is rallying round to ensure these children have a school to go to in September. People are being so supportive and I want to thank them.”
Demolition imminent
Demolition of the former Island Learning Centre will take place imminently.
Heras fencing has surrounded the site since the fire was extinguished, with 24 hour security in place. Access to the site, which is considered dangerous, is strictly prohibited.
Image: © SafeSite IoW
