Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP, over his concerns about Isle of Wight Councillors’ handling of school place planning.
He said the lack of decision-making was damaging schools across the Island.
"We discussed the state of school place planning when the Secretary of State visited the Island last week. I told her I was worried about it. I told her that teachers were concerned and that parents were concerned. They need clear decisions and good leadership, and we have had neither.”
“I have written to Government ministers, and I am talking with senior education officials this week to see what can be done and what powers they have to make sure Councillors from the anti-Conservative Alliance coalition fulfil their legal obligations,” Seely said.
Seely said in the letter:
“In my opinion, councillors are not fulfilling their statutory duties to carry out school place planning and promote high standards of education. Failure to address school place planning this autumn (2023) has delayed place planning by an additional year. This will result in worse education, more debt, good teachers leaving, parents being frustrated by the lack of clarity and children being failed.”
Schools receive funding based on their pupil numbers. Schools with too few pupils risk becoming unviable and failing to provide a good education. Several primary schools on the Island now have too few pupils.
Island headteachers have made it clear that at least three primary schools should close.
Seely said: “I have bitten my tongue on many occasions in order to try to work with the Alliance Administration, despite my concerns over their policies. I am not willing to be silent while they damage children’s education. It is the most important and precious thing that we have. Teachers know that, parents know that.”
Primary schools on the Island would have over £850,000 more in funding if there were no vacant reception places this year.
In addition, this summer, Hampshire County Council withdrew from their long-term partnership with the Isle of Wight Council. This has left the Council urgently needing to restructure children’s services.
Seely said: “Delaying important decisions will only create more uncertainty for teachers and parents.”
Seely also raised other issues, including questioning the break in the relationship with Hampshire education specialists who have been supporting the Island, home schooling and reading standards.
Summing up his letter to the Secretary of State, Seely wrote:
“Island children need a good education. I urge you to consider the necessary decisions to ensure that standards of education are maintained and improved, and whether action from you is now needed.”
