Chillerton And Rookley, Amalgamation Of Primary Schools

PUBLIC NOTICE

AMALGAMATION OF GODSHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL AND CHILLERTON AND ROOKLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL THROUGH THE CLOSURE OF CHILLERTON AND ROOKLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Notice is given in accordance with S15 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and the School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools) Regulations 2013 that the Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, High St, Newport PO30 1UD intends to discontinue Chillerton and Rookley Primary School, Main Road, Chillerton, PO30 3EP (category of school - Community) from 31 December 2023.

2. The closure is to be achieved through the amalgamation of Godshill Primary School and Chillerton and Rookley Primary School.

3. Chillerton and Rookley Primary currently provides education for pupils between the ages of 3-11, has a capacity of 91 places and a current number on roll of 8.

4. The closure of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School is being proposed due to a significant decline in pupil numbers at the school.

5. Parental preference and number of children living in the immediate area for Chillerton and Rookley has significantly reduced over the past 5 years with no Reception Year pupils starting in September 2023. The financial impact of reducing numbers also means the school has been faced with an unresolved deficit budget since the beginning of the 2016/17 financial year.

6. From the 1 January 2023 all the children on roll at Chillerton and Rookley, in agreement with their parents have been taught at the Godshill site. This has ensured they have access to the full primary curriculum, participate in extra-curricular activities and develop wider social and emotional skills with their peer groups.

7. In the event that a decision is taken to close Chillerton and Rookley Primary School from 31 December 2023, the Local Authority will fully support parents to ensure that all current pupils are provided with a suitable alternative school place. Preference will be met wherever possible, depending on availability of places. Parents also have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel against any decision to refuse their child a place at a particular school.

8. This Notice is formed from the complete proposal which contains reasons for the decision. Copies of the complete proposal can be obtained from Richard Vaughan, Strategic Manager (Capital Planning and Development), Children's Services Department, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD (email: SandLBusinessSupport@IOW.gov.uk).

9. Before 27 October 2023, any person may object to or make comments on the proposals by sending them to Richard Vaughan, Strategic Manager (Capital Planning and Development), Children's Services Department, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD (email: SandLBusinessSupport@IOW.gov.uk).

Wendy Perera, Chief Executive, Isle of Wight Council

Publication date: 15 September 2023