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This from Louise Baird (from IOW Education Matters). Ed
I am writing to raise serious concerns on behalf of parents and community members regarding the recent school closure consultation process conducted by the Isle of Wight Local Authority.
The community understands the sad need for closure due to falling numbers, but was assured that a transparent, ranked criteria system would be employed to evaluate which schools should close.
However, based on the handling of this process, we believe that the promised transparency and objectivity have not been met. I would like to outline three key points of concern, each of which I believe constitutes a failure of fair process.
A set of ranked criteria
Firstly, the Local Authority initially stated that it would adhere to a set of ranked criteria when making closure decisions. These criteria were outlined in their cabinet report, listing factors such as educational quality, proximity to home, school size, performance results, financial viability, community popularity, and denominational considerations.
Despite this, I have received no evidence indicating that these criteria were followed. After submitting a request under the Freedom of Information Act on 30th September, I have yet to receive any documentation showing how these factors were actually applied in the decision-making process. It is disappointing and concerning that such a critical decision appears to lack a substantiated basis.
Ranked criteria system abandoned due to “too many local nuances”
Secondly, during a recent Local Authority scrutiny committee meeting, representatives from the council admitted that the ranked criteria system was abandoned due to “too many local nuances”.
We believe this statement, made by officials Theresa Wall and Naomi Carter, indicates that the decisions were based on subjective judgments rather than the promised, structured evaluation.
The use of a ranked criteria system was the basis upon which parents and residents were assured an impartial, objective process. Discarding this system without prior notice or clear rationale betrays this trust and calls into question the validity of the decisions made.
Inconsistency between an objective analysis and the council’s final choice
Furthermore, when we applied a basic ranking criteria system to the schools in the Ryde area based on their current performance, the outcome was significantly different from the Local Authority’s conclusion. According to our analysis, the two schools suggested to be at most risk under these criteria were not those chosen for closure by the Local Authority.
This discrepancy raises further doubts about the objectivity of the council’s decision, as a straightforward application of the criteria pointed to different outcomes. The inconsistency between an objective analysis and the council’s final choice suggests that subjective or arbitrary factors may have influenced the decision. I am sure if I applied these ranked to other local areas similar discrepancies would arise.
The result of this discrepancy is Oakfield is the chosen school to close by the LA and that the children from Oakfield are being asked to travel and go to Greenmount and St Mary’s, the two schools that score the lowest when the ranked criteria is applied. Both of which do not currently perform as well as Oakfield.
Subjective assessments undermine entire process
Finally, we believe the Local Authority’s reliance on subjective assessments undermines the entire process. The decision to close a school affects not just the students, but the entire community. Such a significant matter demands a high level of accountability and transparency.
Basing these life-altering decisions on the personal discretion of a few individuals, without providing evidence or a defined process, fails to meet the level of scrutiny expected in a democratic decision-making body. Our community deserves clear and transparent answers, especially when our children’s futures are at stake.
Urge IWC to reconsider these decisions
I urge the Local Authority to reconsider these decisions, or at the very least, to provide the promised evidence showing how schools were objectively evaluated. Decisions of this nature should be made transparently and with respect for the input of all stakeholders.
I respectfully request the Local Press to highlight this issue so that community members may be informed and an objective process with ranked criteria is reinstated. So at least, as sad is it may be, the reasoning behind each school closure is clear and robust.
