School merger proposal risks funding and job cuts, says GMB

Hillingdon Council have come under criticism from school support staff and their union over a proposed school merger. 

Under the proposal, Harefield Infant School and Harefield Junior School will merge to create a single primary school. 

GMB Union have questioned the suitability of the council’s plan after it emerged that the schools will lose £160,000 in funding. 

Anna Lee, regional organiser at GMB, said: “Despite extensive questioning, the council has failed to explain how this merger would benefit either school. 

“Staff, parents, and school governing bodies are all opposed to it because critical funding will be slashed. 

“Years of austerity mean that resources have already been cut to the bone. 

“We are in no doubt that the merger will cost jobs, and we urge Hillingdon to abandon this damaging proposal.” 

A member at GMB said: “This merger would be a disaster for our schools. 

“Ultimately it is the children who will suffer if this proposal goes ahead.” 

A spokesperson from the Hillingdon Council said: “Any potential savings would go towards reducing the school’s back office costs, which instead could be spent on the pupils.

“If approved, there would be no changes for pupils at the current schools with the proposed new primary school continuing to use the existing buildings and site of the infant and junior schools to deliver the same level of high quality education.

“No pupils would be displaced, with the school continuing to provide 420 places.

“Both schools already work closely together to serve their local community and share a federated governing body, executive headteacher and a number of staff.

“The proposal would mean children automatically continue their education as part of one school, removing the need for parents to reapply for year three onwards, as well as a consistent approach to the ways in which they are taught and supported.

“It recognises and aims to build on their individual strengths and good practices to deliver increased opportunities for children in all key stages.

“No decisions have been made, and all responses will be carefully considered before deciding whether to proceed to a formal consultation on a statutory proposal.

“Following this, a final decision would be made by the council’s Cabinet.”