Closure of Six Primary Schools on the Isle of Wight
Parents on the Isle of Wight are forming protest groups to resist the proposed closures of six primary schools: Oakfield in Ryde, Brading, Cowes, Godshill, Wroxhall, and Arreton. The Isle of Wight Council has opened a consultation regarding these closures, citing the need to improve education standards and financial sustainability as key reasons for the proposal. However, parents are concerned about the social, logistical, and emotional impacts on their communities.
Key Issues:
- Community Impact:
- Parents argue that closing schools will “rip the heart out” of their local communities.
- Schools often serve as a focal point for villages, and their closure could lead to a decline in local infrastructure, including shops, restaurants, and social venues, making these areas less attractive for young families.
- Educational Concerns:
- Parents, such as Melanie Thornton, are questioning why Cowes Primary, rated “Good” by Ofsted, is on the closure list while other local schools with poorer outcomes are exempt because they are academies.
- Concerns are raised about the disruption caused to children, particularly those with special educational needs (SEND) or those benefiting from the pupil premium grant, who may face greater challenges if forced to relocate.
- Transport and Accessibility:
- Some parents, like Nick Binfield in Brading, highlight logistical issues, with the next nearest school being too far to walk and without qualifying for free transport. This could lead to significant additional travel time (up to two hours per day) and financial burdens (an estimated £12-£14 per week for transportation).
- Emotional and Mental Health Impact:
- The closure of schools could result in emotional strain for both children and families. Parents like Jen Burborough in Godshill have already experienced the negative impact of school closures when Chillerton and Rookley Primary shut down in 2013, and now face a second move for their children.
- Parents are worried about the impact of relocation on students’ mental health, particularly for those at schools like Oakfield, which has a strong track record in addressing children’s mental health needs.
- Traffic and Environmental Concerns:
- The closure of these schools would likely result in more cars, taxis, and buses on the roads, particularly in popular tourist villages like Godshill, exacerbating traffic issues and increasing pollution.
