THE country’s largest teaching union has said it is ready to help staff at Holy Cross Primary in their row over plans to split the school across two sites.

Last month it was revealed there is a dispute between teaching staff and many parents at the Upham Road school over the decision taken by the Clifton Diocese.

Work is nearing completion on a new school in Queens Drive and it was initially thought the whole school would move there in September.

However, it was later announced only the reception and Year 1 pupils will make the initial move, with the rest coming in phases over the next three years.

The teachers and school’s management team signed a letter to the Clifton Diocese, who run the school, stating they were against the decision.

They have contacted the National Union Of Teachers, as well as the NASUWT union, who say they are behind the teachers.

Swindon NUT representative Peter Smith said: “We have been in contact with staff members at Holy Cross and will take their lead.

“They are frustrated that their views are not being listened to, as any professionals would be. They have the pupil’s interests at heart and feel this move is not in their best interests. The staff feel they are being ignored.”

There is not thought to be any risk of strike action but teachers have sought advice over the situation.

The main concerns are that the feel of a united school will be lost over two sites as the youngsters will have no one to look up to. Many are also worried about the amount of time wasted and inpracticality of travelling between two sites.

As well as the staff, 100 parents signed a petition against the move, although some are thought to be in favour of having two sites.

Despite the large scale of protests, the diocese has not shifted its position and said funding would be at risk if the decision was changed.

In a statement, it said: “Local schools and councillors were reported to be questioning why a faith school should be receiving public funding.

“Councillors were also concerned the original agreed plans were being changed and were suggesting the council should stop the project and reconsider the expansion plans.

“While there has been a request by Holy Cross governors for the Clifton Diocese and its other partners to reconsider the decision, the diocese has reconsidered but is clear the original decision is to be upheld in the interests of all parties concerned.”