A group of Island Primary school parents have raised concerns with the Secretary of State for Education about the future of the Island’s education. Speaking direct with Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP on her visit to the Island this week (13th October), they discussed their concerns over low literacy rates and the over-supply of Primary school places which is stretching school budgets.
The Secretary of State’s visit comes just weeks after the Isle of Wight Council gave notice to terminate a 10-year strategic partnership with Hampshire County Council for managing Children’s Services. Earlier this year the Council announced consultation plans to close 4 named Island Primaries. It was accused of failing to give advance notice to teachers and parents and shelved the plan days later.
School literacy campaigner and Isle of Wight Councillor Joe Robertson said, “I was pleased to be able to introduce Island parents to the Secretary of State so that she could hear about their concerns direct. As a parent myself I am worried about the future of Island education and falling attainment at Key Stage 2 (7-11 year olds). Just 47 per cent are meeting expected standards in reading, writing and maths combined – among the lowest in the country. Provisional figures for 2022/23 appear to show no improvement. The Council have not handled the issue of school place planning well which is a threat to popular schools and demoralising to parents and teachers. I am pleased that the Secretary of State is now in the picture having heard from parents personally.”
Natalie Wade, a parent at Bembridge C of E Primary School, said, “I am fortunate that my kids are at a great local school but I am concerned that resources are being stretched across the Island and literacy rates are falling as a consequence. Encouraging children to read for pleasure and having school reader volunteers can help address the issue by fostering a life-long love for reading and improving literacy skills but the Council needs to step up.”
The Island’s High Sheriff Dawn Haig-Thomas has highlighted the importance of literacy for children’s life chances and acts as a local Ambassador for the national charity “Schoolreaders”, helping to place over 80 reading volunteers in Island Primary schools this year.
