Responding to the story on Friday (26/5) of the potential closure of four primary schools, teaching unions get ready to support.
Key dates are the report ‘School Place Planning’, which will go before the council’s Cabinet on Thursday, 8th June.
Proposed closures
If approved, a six-week public consultation will follow, with potential closures in September 2024 at the earliest of:
- Cowes Primary School;
- St Mary’s RC Primary School, Ryde;
- Wroxall Primary School.
The council proposes to close Chillerton and Rookley Primary School by amalgamating with Godshill Primary from 1st January 2024.
Shreeve: Not unexpected but has come as a shock
Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“Sustained austerity and the impact of falling roles has meant, this announcement of possible school closures is not unexpected.
“However, this recent announcement has come as a shock to staff, pupils and families. As one would expect, staff have been quick to raise concerns with their union representatives.
“At this stage, we can only await further details within the formal statutory consultation process.
“Any school closure is disheartening, even more so when two of the four are designated rural schools. We are pleased to note that in the case of three of the schools, no closure would occur before September 2024. We must ensure that pupils and staff receive full support during this challenging time.”
Chiverton: Already causing acute worry amongst the school communities
Mark Chiverton, Branch Secretary of the UNISON Isle of Wight Local Government Branch, said,
“It’s absolutely essential that there should be the fullest possible consultation with families, staff and local communities in the period ahead. This must include the complete involvement of trade unions representing all categories of staff at every stage.
“The threat of school closures is inevitably already causing acute worry amongst the school communities potentially affected. It’s clearly vital that the views of teachers and support staff are heard loud and clear throughout the consultation process.
“UNISON will be seeking to work alongside all trade unions with members in schools to ensure effective and meaningful dialogue with Councillors and senior management.
“It’s also important that the trade unions work jointly with local campaigning groups as they develop with a view to ensuring optimum outcomes for pupils, parents and wider local communities.”
Image: laura rivera under CC BY 2.0
