Worried parents have raised concerns about losing five "amazing" teaching assistants at a cash-strapped primary school.

Parents at Stamford Green Primary School, in Christ Church Mount, Epsom, contacted the Epsom Guardian saying that the assistants were given the news last Friday that they were facing redundancy.

They claimed the teaching assistants at the school, whose motto is "Working together to be the best we can", were told not to return on Monday and were not allowed to say goodbye to the children.

And they attacked the school for spending the money on other things, such as the extra reception form planned for next September which, over time, will see pupil numbers increase from 420 to 630.

But in a statement issued today the headteacher, Louise Druce, while admitting financial pressures may mean staff have to go, said all the teaching assistants had been in school this week.

And she pledged that no teachers will lose their jobs in the reorganisation.

The parents said: "The parents are so unhappy about this situation as money is being spent on the three-form entry, office staff and a new AstroTurf site but the teaching assistants are being cut and in such a heartless way.

"The community needs to hear what's been happening and the amazing staff who have lost their jobs should be given a chance for a proper goodbye."

Responding to their criticisms, Mrs Druce, said: "Children are at the heart of all our decisions. 

"With the changes in school funding and reductions to our budget over the last few years we have had to review the staffing structure and regrettably may have to make changes. 

"All teaching assistants have been in school this week and we are working with those potentially affected to support them at this difficult time. 

"The school expansion is at Surrey County Council’s request to meet local demand and is fully funded by the council and Department for Education.   

"The money for the all weather sports pitch has been raised by the school community through fundraising and donations so cannot be spent on staffing or other operational costs." 

She added: "Whilst we are in a process of talking this through with people potentially affected, I don’t think it is appropriate to add anything more."

Do you know more?  Leave a comment below or contact Hardeep Matharu by emailing hmatharu@london.newsquest.co.uk.