A concerned mum says she no longer has faith in the headteacher of an Orpington primary school over fears that specialist music and language teachers will be let go. 

An online petition campaigning against the rumoured dismissals has more than 400 signatures. 

Staff at Green Street Green Primary in Orpington went on strike on Wednesday, May 9, after hearing about the possible redundancies. 

One parent, whose son goes to the school, told News Shopper that a music and French teacher could be in the firing line. 

She said: “They are highly valued. The parent support is huge and rising. The teachers at risk are so highly respected and are absolute experts in their field.

“They are extremely popular with parents and children alike. The headteacher has lost my trust in making this decision. 

“I can’t support him from this point forward, he is putting the school's financial position before the needs of the children.”

She added that the school is set to provide more information to parents this week. 

The statement on the online petition reads: “Green Street Green Primary school has for many years had part-time specialist teachers for Music and Languages.

“I believe the children's education is enormously enriched by the opportunity to learn from enthusiastic experts and to enjoy activities such as choir, orchestra, song-writing club, rock band, physical theatre, concerts, and shows.”

News Shopper has tried to contact the headteacher, David Abrahams – but was told he is unavailable for comment because of the ongoing SATS.

Another strike is planned for Wednesday (May 23).