PARENTS are to be consulted this week on the proposed amalgamation of two Teesside schools.

Rosehill Infant School and Holy Trinity Junior School, in Stockton, have been granted approval to merge, and talks with parents and staff will take place in the coming days.

The new school will operate from the current school sites, in Upsall Grove, creating a 472-place primary school and nursery.

It is expected that jobs will be found for all staff, except for the headteacher at Rosehill, who is due to take up another post in January.

The proposal was requested by both school governing bodies and has been supported by the Diocese of Durham.

Parents have been assured that nothing will take place before a full consultation has been carried out.

Ann Baxter, corporate director for children, education and social care at Stockton Borough Council, said: "The consultation began on Wednesday with printed consultation papers being delivered to Rosehill Infant School and Holy Trinity Junior School for distribution to parents and staff.

"The consultation papers will also be sent to neighbouring local education authorities, the diocese responsible for Catholic schools in the area, and the unions and professional associations that represent teachers and other staff.

"Two meetings will be held this week, the first for parents of children attending the schools and nursery, and the second for the staff."

She said the council and the Durham Diocesan board of education would consider the outcome of this first round of consultation before deciding whether to publish a statutory public notice.

"At that stage, anyone with an interest would be able to express their views," she said.

Stockton Council's cabinet approved a consultation to take place with parents, teachers and stakeholders before a final recommendation on amalgamation is sent to the independent Schools Organisation Committee.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "This is the first step in the process to consult with parents, teachers and the wider community."

The new Church of England voluntary-aided school will operate from both of the present buildings, with 420 places available for four to 11-year-olds and 52 part-time places in the nursery.

If approved, the merger will take place in April.