Islanders are invited to have their say on the future of school place planning on the Isle of Wight.

Last month, the Isle of Wight Council published its first mainstream school place planning strategy, signalling a challenging period for schools hit by reduced pupil numbers and falling birth rates.

The strategy details the necessity to address surplus school places to ensure proper funding and a high standard of education for all youngsters.

Additionally, the strategy aims to expand educational provisions for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Approved by the cabinet last month, a review will now take place to analyse the proposal further.

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children's services, explained: "I can't emphasise strongly enough how important it is for residents to join this Island-wide conversation which is going to help shape the future of education on the Isle of Wight.

"This will see a reduction in the number of school places across the Island to respond to falling birth rate, but this will enable our remaining schools to be in the best possible position to improve outcomes for our children and young people by giving our school system and those within it the security that is desperately needed."

Feedback should be emailed to strategic.planning@iow.gov.uk