By Isle of Wight Observer
Cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Jonathan Bacon, has said it is ‘more than likely’ that some primary schools will have to close to address the issue of excess places on the Island.
This week the IW Council announced the appointment of Ashley Whittaker as the new director of children’s services who will take up his place in the new year. He has experience in a range of teaching and leadership roles in schools and has also worked with partner organisations, including the voluntary sector.
Cllr Bacon this week issued a statement confirming that once Mr Whittaker is in post the IW Council will provide the public with information on the issues that must be addressed and will listen to parents, staff and children about how to go forward.
The whole school estate will be under consideration with all schools entering the process on an equal footing. Cllr Bacon said: “If, as seems more than likely, some schools are identified for potential closure, the reasons must be clearly communicated and understood and there must be full support for all who stand to be affected. All options and potential alternatives will be considered.”
Any formal statutory process is likely to start in the summer term of 2024 with subsequent closures or changes taking effect from autumn 2025. Cllr Bacon’s statement had been shared in advance with a number of headteachers on the Island who supported its release.