Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), met with the East Wight Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, on Friday 13th June to discuss ongoing concerns about how schools on the Island are treated during closure consultations.
The meeting followed a letter sent on 2nd April from three education unions — GMB, NEU, and UNISON — to both Island MPs. The unions are calling for a fairer process between local authority (LA) and non-LA schools when it comes to closure decisions.
Meeting goes ahead despite limited availability
Following a previous meeting between NEU and UNISON with the West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, on 28th May, the East Wight MP was next to be approached.
Mr Shreeve explained that only he was available on Friday 13th June but, despite the date, union colleagues agreed that the meeting should proceed.
He also discussed the possibility of an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently in the House of Lords. This had been raised earlier in May with the West Wight MP. During the latest meeting, Mr Robertson, the East Wight MP, said he would speak with his colleague to see what could be achieved together.
Wider issues also raised
Other key concerns were discussed, including what Mr Shreeve described as the “historic lack of real terms school funding” and how this affects coastal schools, smaller schools, as well as pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
With recent data showing that nearly 24 per cent of Island pupils are designated as SEND, the union stressed the urgent need for better-resourced support. This includes progressing the promised Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school in Carisbrooke.
Mr Shreeve said,
“The money was promised. Let’s build it.”
Hopes for joint action
Reflecting on conversations with both MPs, Mr Shreeve concluded,
“After having listened to both Island MPs, union fingers are now crossed that by working together, some progress is possible.”
