Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP, over his concerns about Isle of Wight Councillors’ handling of school place planning.
He said the lack of decision-making was damaging schools across the Island.
"We discussed the state of school place planning when the Secretary of State visited the Island last week," said Seely.
"I told her that teachers were concerned and that parents were concerned. They need clear decisions and good leadership, and we have had neither.”
Seely said in the letter:
“In my opinion, councillors are not fulfilling their statutory duties to carry out school place planning and promote high standards of education.
"Failure to address school place planning this autumn (2023) has delayed place planning by an additional year.
"This will result in worse education, more debt, good teachers leaving, parents being frustrated by the lack of clarity and children being failed.”
Schools receive funding based on their pupil numbers.
Schools with too few pupils risk becoming unviable and failing to provide a good education. Several primary schools on the Island now have too few pupils.
Island headteachers have made it clear that at least three primary schools should close.
Primary schools on the Island would have over £850,000 more in funding if there were no vacant reception places this year.
In addition, this summer, Hampshire County Council withdrew from their long-term partnership with the Isle of Wight Council.
This has left the Council urgently needing to restructure children’s services.
Summing up his letter to the Secretary of State, Seely wrote:
“Island children need a good education. I urge you to consider the necessary decisions to ensure that standards of education are maintained and improved, and whether action from you is now needed.”
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