A Delegated Decision Report released today reveals that closure of one or more primary schools in the West Wight area ‘cannot be ruled out’.
The report, titled ‘School Reorganisation – Area Review Of The Sufficiency And Sustainability Of Mainstream Primary School Provision’, outlines plans for a public consultation to kick off in Spring 2011.
The purpose of the consultation is to tackle the ‘over’ or ‘under provision’ of school places across the Island, following the current school reorganisation.
West Wight schools may close
The reports claims that in West Wight, ‘two of the area schools receive over 25% above the average Island primary per pupil funding.’
It doesnt mention which of the West Wight schools it’s referring to, but goes on to say that following the consultation, individual school(s) or site(s) may face closure.
The option being recommended for approval under delegated powers by Cllr David Pugh is..
Option A – to develop options, consult on those options and, subject to the outcome of consultation, to publish proposals to reduce provision for the West Wight area.
The risk management of this recommendation is outlined as follows ….
Option A – Reducing provision to meet the demand for places in the West Wight area would present a more sustainable use of resources and provide better value for money. There is a risk that the reduction of provision in the area could mean an absence of non-church provision west of Newport, causing a potential increase in demand for home to school transport due to parental preference on religious grounds. The closure of individual school(s) and site(s) cannot be ruled out.
The decision cannot be taken before Friday 11th February.
More to follow on other schools around the Island.
