Ashley Whittaker, IW Council statutory director of children’s services:

Dear children and families of the Isle of Wight and primary school colleagues,

I am writing to you about the proposal to close six primary schools.

If you are impacted by this, I and my colleagues absolutely appreciate how difficult this news will have been to hear, and how challenging the coming weeks will be.

We will do everything we can to support you during these times, and depending on what our elected representatives decide to do on September 12, to deliver change with as much compassion and kindness as possible.

Since I joined the Island community in February, it has been my privilege to listen to the views of many people, both children and adults, who care deeply about the Isle of Wight.

Some share current or recent experiences of school. Others reflect on what worked, and could have been better, when they were younger.

I believe that what unites everyone is an ambition to improve education outcomes to reflect the true potential of the Island’s children.

This is why we are developing a new Island education strategy.

Alongside this ambition is a shared acknowledgement that the world is changing, and that education provision must adapt to reflect this.

For several years there has been a significant reduction in the number of babies being born on the Island, and a subsequent decline in the number of children entering primary school.

The prevalence of special educational needs and disabilities has increased, as have needs relating to emotional wellbeing and mental health.

These changes in the numbers and needs of our children require a corresponding adjustment to the Island’s school system.

Complex and difficult decisions are therefore needed.

They are also decisions that are essential to establish the foundations required to deliver a high performing education system, and to improve education outcomes and wider life chances for all children.

By making these decisions, we will be able to deliver on our shared commitment to fully unlock the potential of the Island’s children and allow them to truly thrive.