MP Richard Quigley Hosts Schools Minister In Island Visit

Richard Quigley MP has welcomed Schools Minister Georgia Gould to the Isle of Wight for a visit focused on SEND provision and educational leadership.

The Minister visited Lionheart School in Cowes and Nine Acres Primary School before concluding the day at the Newport Family Hub in Newport.

The visit followed roundtable discussions hosted by Mr Quigley with SEND educators and parents after the publication of the Government’s Schools White Paper. Feedback gathered during those meetings was shared with the Education Secretary in a formal letter outlining concerns raised by families.

During the visit, the Minister met teachers, school leaders and representatives from the Isle of Wight Council’s Children’s Services team to discuss the challenges facing schools on the Island, alongside recent improvements including a £4million investment in SEND provision.

Mr Quigley said: “The Minister was absolutely blown away by the strength of leadership and sense of community on display across our school, as well as how quickly the schools visited have implemented such positive changes.”

He added that the visit also highlighted the impact of cross-Solent travel on recruitment, staffing and families.

Schools Minister Georgia Gould said she had seen “amazing work underway on the Isle of Wight to support young people with SEND”, praising teachers and support staff across the Island.