Most schools under threat of closure are trying to get the press involved in their campaigns, but not Godshill. When the IW Observer was asked by parents to attend a meeting, staff said we must leave because it was for “parents only”.

Cllr Suzie Ellis, who represents both Godshill and Arreton where schools may close, spoke at the meeting, and said afterwards: “There is an absolute need for change, but we must ensure it’s the right change. I will work proactively with the schools, the wider communities, and IW Council officers and councillors, to look at alternative solutions to ensure that primary schools can be sustained within the rural centre of the Island.”

One of the parents involved asked us to print their account of the meeting; the views are said to be shared by a number of those present.

“Poor Mr Snow. He lamented that people were saying nasty things about him; he made it very much about him. I am not sure if he was cleverly deflecting away from the issue or if he has delusions of grandeur.

“There was no real clarity on the situation, and there was no mention of any minutes being taken or made available. We wanted the IW Observer there to have a proper record of the meeting. There is now a suggestion box in the hall for parents to come up with ideas on how to save the school. That seems to be a distraction.

“Mr Snow would not talk about any issues in public but said if anyone has any issues he will talk one-to-one with them. It is that to divide and conquer? He implied that he does not want the school to close, and put forward the idea of amalgamating with either Wroxall or Arretton, or both. He also vaguely said they might build out at the back of the school if necessary. The feasibility of this seems unlikely.

“All this seems to be lip service. I believe the decision has practically been made to close these schools at whatever cost.

“I think we need to challenge the financial assumptions involved in implementing the closures. The feasibility and cost of transport to and from schools, parking, increased traffic, etc. What job losses are expected? We have not been told.

“The financial and emotional cost for parents and pupils will be huge: for some children these schools are the only stability they have.”