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Council To "Fully Consider" Chillerton And Rookley Primary 'Flexi-School' Plans

An option to turn Chillerton and Rookley Primary into a 'flexi-school' will be "fully considered" by the Isle of Wight Council, the local authority has said.

Campaign group Save Our School has submitted an application to de-federate the school from the current governing body.

It comes after a consultation was launched to explore the possibility of closing the site and merging it with Godshill Primary.

A lack of pupils and a budget deficit is being blamed.

But some parents claim Stenbury Federation, which runs the school, have "forced" pupils away by moving the pre-school - and if it was invested in - it would attract more students.

Save Our School wants the school to remain and pupils to spend half their time learning there and the other at home.

A spokesperson for the Save Our School group said:

"There is such a huge demand for flexi schooling on our Island. From parents who feel their children are not ready for full time school, to home educators who need more structured support. It would be of such a great benefit to our whole Island Community."

Another parent said:

"This will address the safeguarding and support concerns regarding home schooling families. It is such a shame that options such as this were not considered by the Local Authority as they are obliged to. The number of parents choosing to home school their children is a reflection of sentiment towards educational strategy which seems to be fulfilling an agenda of closing rural schools."

The Isle of Wight Council told Isle of Wight Radio the application has been received.

It says it will be properly investigated. A spokesperson said:

“The option of using Chillerton and Rookley as a base for flexi-schooling has been received as part of the consultation process. As with all options put forward during the consultation period the Local Authority will properly investigate the option and will ensure it is fully considered.”

Comments can no longer be submitted to the consultation.

A report is due to be presented at a later date.

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