By Isle of Wight Observer
Education unions have called for a fairer process around school closures, warning that the current system disadvantages local authority schools on the Island.
On Wednesday, May 28, representatives from the National Education Union (NEU) and UNISON met with West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, to raise concerns first outlined in a joint letter sent to both Island MPs on April 2. The letter, co-signed by GMB, NEU and UNISON, argued that there is a clear bias in favour of non-local authority schools when it comes to closure decisions. Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the NEU, said: “The Island experience clearly shows a bias towards allowing non-LA schools to evade their responsibilities in the primary school closure process. The system for closing schools fairly and for the greater good has failed. Indeed, it has made the situation worse.” He added that falling pupil numbers will continue to pose challenges, and the unions fear the same flawed process will be repeated in future years. Mr Quigley was said to be sympathetic and agreed to speak with the Schools Minister, Stephen Morgan, to explore whether an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill could address the issue.
Other topics raised included the need for increased education funding, the particular challenges faced by coastal schools, and delays to the development of the planned Social, Emotional, and Mental Health school in Carisbrooke.
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