Hundreds of people have gathered to protest against council plans to close five primary schools on the Isle of Wight. Demonstrators of all ages rallied in Newport against the plans, which unions say have "terrified" pupils and will see more than members of staff made redundant.
The local authority previously said it is seeking to address a significant decline in pupil numbers due to a falling birth rate, which is causing a financial strain on the council. It said nearly there were 1, unfilled places in mainstream schools as of October and it projected that figure to rise to 3, by September A four-week consultation period is set to come to an end on Friday before the council makes its final decision on the closures in late February or early March.
Mark Chiverton, branch secretary for Unison on the Isle of Wight, said: "There are over jobs at risk, of both teachers and support staff of various types. The council has said buildings could be repurposed to expand SEND provision on the island. Peter Shreeve, a member of the National Education Union NEU on the island, who was at the protest, said: "If you listen to our staff, everyone is really worried about their pupils.
He added that students also spoke at the event and they "are just terrified" about the closures. Council considers closing six schools.
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