Whiteley mum’s anger as no space in school for children

Toni Knights, 35, was shocked to discover the “lack of provisions” in Whiteley after moving to a council property in the area.

The mum of five said she has been offered five different schools for each of her children – aged from primary to secondary – but is fighting for a local offering.

“I don’t drive and I am disabled, yet it has been suggested to send all of my children to different schools – some as far as Wickham”, Toni said.

She added: “My two youngest – Wynter who is in Year 6 and Harper in Year 1 – should not be travelling across the county alone, I want to walk them to school.

“I moved to the area with the understanding there was space in Cornerstone C of E Primary School for them both.”

Furious mum Toni Knights said her two children are missing out on an education as there are no school spaces in Whiteley. Pictured at the Curbridge Meadows site (Image: Newsquest)

In an email shared with the Echo, the admissions department at the primary school in Bluebell Way told Toni her two children have been added to the waiting list, adding: “Both year groups are full”.

Toni and her family were moved by the council from Winchester to a new property in Curbridge Meadows in July.

The estate forms part of the wider Whiteley Meadows development, which will welcome a 900-place secondary school in 2027.

But Toni said Hampshire County Council, which is leading the project, need to focus on the current lack of availability in schools.

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She said: “I keep receiving emails to tell me my children are missing their education, but I cannot send them further away.

“It is disgusting. The council is building more and more houses and think that is job done, without thinking about what is available.

“This is not just about my children and I, but the other families in this area too who are affected. Our children want to go to school.”

Toni said she does not regret the move to the area but is concerned for the welfare of her children.

Furious mum Toni Knights said her two children Wynter, left, and Harper, are missing out on an education as there are no school spaces in Whiteley. Pictured at the Curbridge Meadows site (Image: Newsquest)

Hampshire County Council confirmed that families can face difficulty securing school places following the county admissions application deadline.

A spokesperson said: “All parents who are not able to secure a place in one of their preferred schools are provided with information by the County Council’s Admissions Team about the next nearest school(s) with places available, in line with published statutory processes.

“The family may then make an application to one of those schools using the County Council’s Education Online Portal.

“In addition, any parents who are unable to secure a place in a local school are automatically added to the waiting list for the school they have applied to and have the right to go to an independent appeal panel.”