Barming Primary School has made five members of staff redundant after being hit by biting funding cuts.

In a letter sent out to parents yesterday, Helen Crampton, chairman of the board of governors said while the decision had been taken 'with great sadness' it was necessary if the academy in Belmont Close is to remain financially viable.

The redundancies will see the departure of deputy headteacher Amanda McLouglin, along with four cover supervisors who help manage classrooms while teachers are away.

Another assistant also left while the school was carrying out a consultation on the changes.

Mrs Crampton said: "You may have heard on the news about the cutbacks schools have faced and continue to face. It is becoming increasingly more challenging to run schools and to put forward a balanced budget, especially where funding is being reduced, but the cost of living, resources and staffing is on the rise yearly.

"It is becoming increasingly more challenging to run schools and to put forward a balanced budget, especially where funding is being reduced, but the cost of living, resources and staffing is on the rise yearly." -Helen Crampton, chairman of Barming Primary School's board of governors

"The rationale behind this decision is that Barming Primary School, along with many other schools in Britain, will face financial challenges unless significant changes are made to our current spending forecast."

As well as staff redundancies, the school, which has more than 400 pupils will remove a tempory cabin during the school holidays and will reduce spending on rental, waste, photocopying and insurance.

They will also be seeking sponsorship from private companies and other organisations.

Swingeing cuts to school funding are expected to cost schools across the UK £3 billion by 2019, according to the National Audit Office.

Some Kent schools have taken increasingly desperate measures to stay in the black - including Oakwood Park Grammar School, who appealed to parents for money.

Two senior members of staff at schools in Eastchurch and Leysdown on Sheppey have also taken voluntary redundancy after governors unveil plans to slash costs.

Barming Primary School has been approached for comment.

To view the letter to parents, click here.