PARENTS at Newhall Primary Academy in Harlow have reacted to the proposed plans by REACH2 Academy Trust to impose cuts at three primary schools in Harlow that will reduce staff and take control of school budgets.

In just two days the Friends of Newhall, the parent-teacher association, collected 250 signatures from concerned parents and family members to accompany the flurry of emails sent to REACH2 by parents.

Sally Brisco from the Friends of Newhall said: “We see these staff as a crucial investment in our children. They are the backbone of the school and critical to our children’s wellbeing.

“We have all seen first-hand how important the immediate office staff are and we couldn’t see these roles being cut without significant detrimental impact on our children.”

A joint statement issued by the teaching unions outlines similar concerns that “fewer staff in schools will lead to more work for other staff and less support for pupils and parents.”

The Friends of Newhall and teaching unions are asking for further consultation to address these concerns.