Parents marched through Newport town centre this morning (Monday) in protest at County Hall plans that could see the closure of six primary schools.
Holding placards reading ‘Small Local Schools are the BEST’, ‘Hey, STARMER, Help us Save our Schools!’ and ‘Save Wroxall Primary’, Islanders processed from St James’ Square along the High Street to County Hall.
Slogans including ‘Funds 4 Education’ also appeared in brightly coloured chalk on the pavement surrounding the Queen Victoria Memorial assembly point.
Jones: We just feel it shouldn’t close
One mother, Katie Jones, said the council proposals were “not necessarily the right way forward”.
She said,
“Our children go to one of the schools on the list and we just feel it shouldn’t close.
“I think the small schools have so much to give to the children.”
As the march got underway, a chorus of ‘Save Our School’, tooting party horns and clattering could be heard above the midday traffic.
Cole: It’s messing with their education
Another, Sarah Cole, said,
“It’s messing with their education – they’ve already had a lot of missed school from Covid.
“It seems to me the council have already made up their mind and this is just ticking a box.”
Goode: These children are currently enjoying a green life
With a shaking tambourine and sympathetic car horn beeps in the background, Wroxall mother Aviv Goode gave her assessment of Jonathan Bacon and Ashley Whittaker’s plans.
“These children, who are enjoying a green life being able to walk to school, are now going to have to get in a car, sit in traffic, and go to a school that is miles away.”
Growing concerns
Monday’s march forms part of an ongoing wave of concern from parents and others in the wider community.
Last Thursday, parents posed questions to County Hall’s Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.
Queries from the public gallery included how children can be involved in the consultation on reducing surplus school places and expanding SEND provision and whether the council has taken into account transport implications such as “considerable” journey costs for parents.
LGA supportive peer review
In a report included on Thursday’s meeting agenda, national body the Local Government Association (LGA) swung behind the council proposals.
The LGA endorsed Jonathan Bacon and Ashley Whittaker’s reasoning behind school closures, saying it “links directly” to better educational outcomes.
Both Councillor Bacon and Mr Whittaker have said surplus places result in an inefficient use of resources which in turn limits pupils’ attainment.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
