Isle of Wight Council is organising a series of meetings from Monday 28 April as part of the latest phase of its education reforms. Eight meetings will be held across the Island where representatives from individual schools, pre-schools and governing bodies will be invited.

It was on 19 March this year that councillors voted to take forward an option that will see a new two-tier educational structure on the Isle of Wight phased in from September 2010. The meetings are an opportunity to look at several possible implications of the decision for the local area in the light of representations provided by schools and the public.

Suggestions and comments made during the individual meetings are a key part in forming the final report, which may mean potential options for individual areas could change by the time the report is presented to Cabinet. Those attending will also be given the chance to give representations to the council. Union representatives will be invited as observers.

A report on the next phase of the council’s reorganisation plans will be presented to the Cabinet on 3 June with formal public consultation beginning soon after. The report itself will be published on the council’s website, on 23 May. This report will reveal the latest modelling, including a revised list of school locations.

Isle of Wight Council Director of Children’s Services Steve Beynon said “As part of our commitment to keep those working in schools and pre-schools informed of the latest regarding the proposals, we are organising these private meetings before the publication of the final report. Members of the public will get another chance to have their say over the summer when formal consultation begins. Details of this will be revealed over the coming weeks.

The modelling of the structure councillors chose to take forward is continuing as I speak and we will consider all comments and views that come out of the meetings. We have already revised some of our proposals following representations made by both schools and the public during the informal consultation.”

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