TEACHERS are threatening strike action amid fears their schools will be turned into an academy - although governors have denied the claims.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) says teachers are angry at proposals to amalgamate Chapel End Infants in Beresford Road, Walthamstow, and Chapel End Juniors, in nearby Roberts Road.

Terry Toomey, chair of governors at Chapel End Infant School, said plans had not been drawn up, but Steve White, secretary of the Waltham Forest branch of the NUT, said staff were convinced such proposals were being considered.

The row comes just weeks after concerns were raised about similar plans by Chingford Foundation School and Rush Croft Sports College in Chingford, which are set to become an academy in September.

Schools must get permission from the Department of Education to obtain academy status, which gives them independence from council control.

The government says academies give greater freedom to schools and help raise standards, although critics believe they will harm teaching and create a two-tier education system.

Waltham Forest NUT representative Rinaldo Frezzato told the Guardian: "We had a meeting last night [Tuesday] and staff have asked for a ballot on strike action.

"One or two of these academy plans in Waltham Forest have gone through without much opposition, but in this case teachers at both schools are very much against it. It's the whole staff - with the exception of the management.

"It's going to be quite a big one and there's going to be lots of resistance. We also have support from parents and we'll be building up our campaign."

He added: "Academy status at any school is a massive threat to the conditions of teachers, non-teaching staff and it's a threat to comprehensive education."

But Mr Toomey said: “There are no plans for Chapel End Infants School to apply for Academy status.

"There is also no proposal for the school to amalgamate with Chapel End Junior School.”

Mr White said: "The headteacher left in March and hasn't been replaced.

"I think the schools are scared about a campaign from parents and are not being fully open."

The academy system was established under the previous Labour government as an attempt to improve "failing" schools, but the Conservative and Liberal Democrat condition has extended the policy to include schools rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

However Chapel End Junior was rated 'inadequate' by inspectors in March.

In contrast, Chapel End Infants was rated 'good' in its most recent Ofsted report published in October 2011. Staff at the junior school said no-one was available for comment.

The Guardian is awaiting a response from the infants school.

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