Decision looming on threat to school jobs

Under-threat staff at schools in the Black Country could learn their fate within the next few days. Two Sandwell schools have notified the council of possible redundancies.

Up to six jobs have been identified as 'at risk' of enforced redundancies at Menzies High School in West Bromwich, while Timbertree Primary School in Cradley Heath is currently consulting with employees to establish how many positions could be under threat. Both schools have said full-time teachers are not facing the axe, but support staff could be shed.

Teaching assistant roles could go, or staff could have their working hours cut to balance the books.

Sandwell schools chief Councillor Ian Jones today warned more schools could be forced to look into staffing levels as they put together their budgets for the next year.

It has been revealed more than 60 schools in South Staffordshire could be cutting staff in response to falling numbers of pupils on their books.

"There are only two we have been notified at the moment in Sandwell and that may change or it may not," said Councillor Jones.

He added any staff deemed at risk were given a lot of help and support to try and deploy them to other posts or schools.

Gwynith O'Neill, headteacher at Timbertree Primary School in Valley Road, said consultation was due to end today on possible reductions in staffing levels, with support staff and special educational needs assistants expected to be affected by the changes in the school roll.

"We are working closely with unions and the LEA to do it in the best possible way," she said.

"We don't want to lose staff as they are your most valuable asset."

Consultation is under way at Menzies High School in Clarkes Lane, West Bromwich, where classroom assistants and support staff could have working hours cut as part of measures to claw back £200,000. Several staff have already applied for voluntary redundancies.