The futures of East Cowes, St Helens and Whippingham Primary are still undecided, as the IW Council prepares to consider its latest report on the change from three-tier education, to a two-tier system in 2010.
The schools are among those earmarked for further discussion, when Cabinet members meet later this month (24 November). They will consider an interim report into the process and in that report will be told that “A small number of respondents have challenged the Council’s process in respect of the consultation and their understanding of the decisions taken as part of the process. It is the Council’s view that the process has appropriately followed the DCSF guidance and has been open and truly consultative”, but that “The significant majority of respondents supported the proposal to move to a primary and secondary school organisation as outlined in the Full Council proposal, and endorsed by the Cabinet, of 3 March 2008.” The report is based on the recent consultation process and 1700 responses. It also recommends the appointment of an independent review panel of education professionals to look at the council's plans, ahead of a report in February 2009. Read the Cabinet's paper for yourself at
www.iwight.com. Click on Your Council, then meetings and then Cabinet.