Press Release from Lora Peacey Wilcox, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council Alliance Group. In her own words. Ed
Recent events have led us revise our approach to Education.
The Alliance Administration accepts that recent announcements about schools and potential options for the future have caused unnecessary distress and uncertainty. For that we apologise unreservedly.
Things should have been handled differently. However, we have listened and learned from these events, also reflecting on what was said in the debate that took place.
On top of all this, it has now been announced that Hampshire County Council has begun the process of ending our partnership for the provision of Children’s Services, including education.
Ensure a smooth and efficient transition
Our first priority must be to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to whatever new partnership or arrangement is best for us going forward.
The Leader of the Council, Lora Peacey Wilcox, who is responsible for Strategic Partnerships, will lead the process of determining the way Children’s Services will be managed on the Island going forward and whatever new partnership might be appropriate.
The issue is of such fundamental importance to the future of the Island, that nothing less is appropriate.
Refresh and renew approach to education
However, this change also presents us with an opportunity to refresh and renew the approach with regards to Education provision on the Island, both in terms of its structure and our educational standards.
The Leader will therefore also take on responsibility for the Council’s role and duties in respect of Education.
Public consultations
This process must include parents, carers and pupils, as well as gathering the views of educational professionals including teachers, headteachers and governors.
Such an understanding will properly inform any proposals that may come forward in the future.
Public information sharing and Q&A sessions
To achieve this, under the leadership of Councillor Peacey Wilcox, we will undertake public information sharing and Q&A sessions to provide information but, above all to listen to all sides.
Councillor Andre will retain responsibility for Children’s Services and lifelong skills and will also take on the role of Cabinet lead for issues relating to poverty.
Peacey Wilcox: A fuller understanding of the problems and options
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox, said,
“Facing us right now is an opportunity to dig deep with the goal of seeking the appropriate way forward as to how we can address the problems within our local education system. We cannot pretend that there are not issues facing us, both in how the education system operates on the Island, but also in respect of the results we are achieving.
“A fuller understanding of the problems and the options (some which may not have previously presented themselves) is essential to finding a way forward.
“The steps we are now taking and the debate we will be launching, of which details will follow next month, is not about avoiding the issues that have to be addressed, but about ensuring we are ready to tackle them and that we do so together. This will not be an easy process but you have my assurance that during it we will provide as much support for schools as we can.
“In the meantime I would like to sincerely thank all the parents, children and school staff, for their forbearance and understanding and, I also hope, support as we move forward with a new focus on how we can develop and deliver the very best solutions to our local education system for our children’s futures.”
Article edit
10.25am 17th Aug 2023 – Cabinet added to the headline
