Isle of Wight Council education and children's services shake-up

In a statement sent out tonight (Wednesday), the group, which is made up of mostly independent councillors, says it accepts recent announcements about schools and potential options for the future have caused unnecessary distress and uncertainty.

"For that we apologise unreservedly," the statement says.

"Things should have been handled differently.

"However, we have listened and learned from these events, also reflecting on what was said in the debate that took place."

What has led to the Isle of Wight Council's children's services and education shake-up?

Partnership ends

On July 21, Hampshire County Council announced an end to its decade-long partnership with the Isle of Wight Council for the provision of Children's Services, including education.

The leader of Isle of Wight Council, Lora Peacey-Wilcox told the County Press the authority had had no prior notice of the change.

It has meant an uncertain future for a host of services.

Read more: 

• Isle of Wight Council leader on end of Hampshire partnership
• What's next for Hampshire and Isle of Wight children's services partnership?

U-Turn

On May 26, plans for a consultation into the closure of three named Isle of Wight primary schools were announced.

Just days later, on July 7, school heads spoke of their 'utter dismay and disappointment', after Isle of Wight Council pulled plans to consider the consultation.

Cowes Primary, Wroxall Primary and St Mary's in Ryde were left in limbo with suggestions children were already been pulled out, due to the uncertainty.

Read more:

• Isle of Wight school heads speak out over council's u-turn
• Isle of Wight primary schools react to closure consultation plan

Chillerton and Rookley Primary

Chillerton and Rookley Primary has faced an on-again-off-again year, with its handful of remaining children moved to a sister school in Godshill.

The building itself has technically remained a school, which staff or pupils but looks set to finally close at the end of the year.

On July 14, Cllr Debbie Andre called it "a long journey" adding " there are now no alternatives." 

Read more: Isle of Wight primary school Chillerton and Rookley closure decision

Formal complaint

On August 6, former Alliance group member turned Liberal Democrat, Cllr Michael Lilley, wrote an open letter calling for an apology for the distress caused to the schools threatened with possible closure over the school place planning announcement - the problem with empty seats in Isle of Wight classrooms.

According to a document shared online, a formal complaint was made on August 11

Today's shake-up is about ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to whatever new partnership or arrangement is best for children's services and education on the Isle of Wight, say Alliance group leaders.

Leader of the Council, Lora Peacey Wilcox, responsible for Strategic Partnerships is to head-up the process, looking at the way children's services will now be managed, and she will also take the lead on education.

Previously, that responsibility fell with Cllr Debbie Andre who, moving forward, will retain responsibility for childrens services and lifelong skills, and will also take on the lead role for issues relating to poverty.

The administration is promising to include parents, carers and pupils in the transition process, as well as gathering the views of teachers, headteachers and governors.

Public information sharing and Q&A sessions are being planned.

Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox, said: "Facing us right now is an opportunity to dig deep with the goal of seeking the appropriate way forward as to how we can address the problems within our local education system.

Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, leader of the IW Council.

Cllr Debbie Andre.

"We cannot pretend there are not issues facing us, both in how the education system operates on the Island, but also in respect of the results we are achieving.

"A fuller understanding of the problems and the options is essential.

"The steps we are now taking and the debate we will be launching, of which details will follow next month, is not about avoiding the issues that have to be addressed, but about ensuring we are ready to tackle them and that we do so together.

"This will not be an easy process but you have my assurance that during it we will provide as much support for schools as we can."

She also thanked parents, children and school staff, for their 'forbearance and understanding' and said the aim is to deliver 'the very best solutions...for our children's futures.”