A DISPUTE has broken out over plans to merge two schools in Darlington.

Teachers and support staff at Whinfield Junior School have written to Darlington Borough Council's education department saying the proposed merger with Whinfield Infant School to create a primary school would be bad for pupils.

They also criticise Geoff Pennington, the council's director of education, and the way the proposed merger has been handled.

Mr Pennington is accused of calling the teachers uncaring at a meeting on Friday, January 30.

They say he called them negligent in the way they dealt with pupils' worries about rumours concerning the future of the school.

Acting headteacher Pauline Wood said: "Some of the staff were on their feet in anger when he said that and asked if he would withdraw his comments, but he refused.

"There were 22 people in that room, including the chair of governors, and there was uproar. I'm very disappointed that the staff of such a successful school can be spoken to like that."

The teachers say they have never received any evidence of how the merger will improve the schools.

They also say councillors and officers have never visited the schools when the children were there to see if a merger would be beneficial.

Teachers say the proposed 630-place primary school would be too big and impersonal, and criticise the way the council has handled parents' concerns.

Mr Pennington yesterday refused to comment on specific allegations, but said: "The council's overriding priority for proposing the amalgamation of any schools is what will be best for the pupils.

"Bringing together any two schools, even two that are already on the same site, where amalgamation would see pupils continuing their education in the classrooms where they study now, will cause anxiety for teaching staff."

He said that the authority had followed appropriate procedures and teachers had been given an opportunity to air their views on the merger, which had been taken into account.

"We believe that to be an all-through primary school will enhance the quality of education and improve the learning opportunities for pupils."

Parents who objected to the merger at the previous stage of consultation are urged to write again so their views are considered by the Schools Organisation Committee. Letters must be submitted by April 29.