SIR I would like to respond to recent letters that included comments such as "Warndon schools merger is being badly handled" and "if the two merged schools are to form a truly new school, surely the correct procedure is for all staff contracts to be withdrawn and all the posts in the new school, including that of the headteacher, to be advertised".

The proposal the county council cabinet approved in December was to close both schools and open a new primary school on September 1, 2006.

This means that all current staff will be asked to apply for a job in the new school and the post of headteacher will be advertised nationally to ensure that the best possible candidate is appointed.

The decision on who to appoint to the new school will be made by school governors and not by council members.

It is also important to note that the proposed merger cannot proceed until it is considered by the independent Schools Organisation Committee in February which is required by law to take into account all facts, figures and local opinion before coming to a decision.

LIZ EYRE,

Cabinet member with responsibility for children and young people.