Staff at a Croydon school could soon go on strike over fears being taken over by an academy trust could impact jobs and the support vulnerable children get. 

The GMB Union is now asking its members at Red Gates School whether they want to go on strike.

It comes a week after union members protested outside the school in South Croydon which looks after pupils with special needs.

On March 14 more than 30 people chanted ‘hands off Red Gates’ in front of the school.

The union is opposing the school becoming part of the Pegasus Academy Trust. 

Rachael Baylis, GMB organising assistant said: “Members at Red Gates are concerned at what this would mean for their jobs but most importantly for the children themselves.

“The governors announced their decision in November without any prior discussion with staff at the school and have so far failed to give any assurances about what improvements they see this transfer bringing other than vague references to ‘stability’.

“We have real concerns that the academy trust do not understand the complexity of the needs at the school and actually believe they can reduce costs by cutting support for some of the most vulnerable pupils.

"The transfer will only have a detrimental impact on pupils, their families and staff and is nothing short of irresponsible.”

Red Gates is a primary school for children with severe learning difficulties and autism. 

The school and Pegasus Academy Trust were contacted for comment.