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Isle Of Wight Mother Takes Medina College Cancelled Prom Into Own Hands

Claire Wheeler and her daughter Lily

An Isle of Wight Mother is taking the Medina College prom into her own hands after it was cancelled because of the delay in lifting coronavirus restrictions.

EXCLUSIVE

Claire Wheeler told Isle of Wight Radio she couldn't’ let the year 11s be “heartbroken” and says the event will go ahead next month (July) but is being organised by her instead.

She says the children are “really upset” that the event was cancelled on June 25 and as they have bought their suits and dresses the theme will stay the initial theme as ‘midnight sky’.

The year group has had their exams cancelled this year because of the pandemic and the last two months has been “test after test” for the students to be graded by teachers.

Claire told Isle of Wight Radio the children “really deserve it”, she said:

“My daughter and her friends were really disappointed and upset, they have already bought a lot of their outfits...There were no backup plans and I couldn’t let them be so heartbroken…

“I have never organised anything like this before so I may be out of my depth but we are going to try and do what we can do...This is open to all year 11s at Medina College we don’t want anyone to miss out, everyone has to have the offer to come.”

Local businesses are also getting behind the event, Snacks and Ladders is providing goodie bags, Summer Lilly's Flowers is donating carnations and Finishing Touches provided discounted chair covers.

Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary, Isle of Wight - National Education Union told Isle of Wight Radio the Government guidance around schools is ‘unfair’.

He told Isle of Wight Radio:

“Extending restrictions has meant the cancellation of proms, others have simply postponed, even planning for one in August.  The key to success and safety is the risk assessment and ensuring everyone understands and follows the risk assessment.

“Understanding is the difficult bit. We should remain cautious. However, Government guidance around school events is unfair, unmerited, with disproportionate restrictions when compared with other non-school activities, such as the permitted recent 22,500 spectators for group fixtures at Euro 2020, soon to be expanded to 45,000.

“Parity of procedures confuse too. Anyone attending a wedding ceremony or reception must wear a face covering indoors, apart from when eating or drinking. A government sample wedding risk assessment states: “You should not allow dancing. Everyone should be seated whilst eating and drinking.”

“Students and staff, will no doubt be hoping for a total lifting of restrictions for their prom, so they can celebrate in style and safety - singing, dancing and hugging.”

Executive Headteacher, Matthew Parr-Burman, for Carisbrooke College and Medina College told Isle of Wight Radio headteachers are 'saddened' where events have had to be cancelled or changed.

He said:

“In relation to Proms and other end of year events that many schools choose to run, the situation is further complicated by the fact that each was planning a specific and individual event and so schools have inevitably had to respond very differently. Headteachers are saddened where events have had to be cancelled or changed, however state that the safety of students and staff through compliance with the measures in place regarding the control of the COVID-19 pandemic must remain the priority at this time.”

Isle of Wight mother Claire added:

“It is a good community effort to give the children their moment, they have worked incredibly hard and they don’t just deserve it they have earned it. They have earned the right to go out and put their beautiful suits and dresses on...Let’s pull this off and give you your night.”

The event still needs a DJ! As well as anyone who knows how to make a balloon arch!

The event will now take place at Wootton Community Centre on 31 July.

If you want to get involved email [email protected] and if you are at the school in year 11 you can email Claire and ask to join the google classroom.

Tickets for the not for profit event will cost £12.

Find more information via the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/823312905226458

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