Scores of school workers have been told their jobs are at risk as a prominent academy trust announced it needs to shave £1m from its budget.
The Broad Horizons Education Trust, which runs 18 schools in Norfolk, has informed parents and carers it needs to make the savings in the next year as it faces "significant financial challenges".
As a result, the organisation has told more than 80 support staff members, including teaching assistants, that their jobs are at risk.
In a letter sent to parents and carers - and seen by the newspaper - its chief executive Owen Jenkins revealed it was opening a consultation on a reduction of staff numbers.
If the plans go ahead it would see the organisation lose the equivalent of 31 full time support staff positions - although the prevalence of part-time employees means more than 80 jobs are vulnerable.
Mr Jenkins said: "The trust must find savings of approximately £1m in the coming financial year.
"While we remain committed to our vision of ensuring every child is supported to achieve their potential, there is no option but to reduce operational costs, a substantial amount of which is staff.
"There is no easy way to achieve the required savings and trustees recognise that this is a worrying time for staff, parents and pupils.
"Out of respect for our staff and the process we are undertaking, while the consultation is ongoing I can not comment on this or any individual aspects of our savings programme further."
It comes after the Wensum Trust, another of the region's academy trusts, made the controversial move to replace all its primary teaching assistant roles.
Broad Horizons is responsible for the following schools:
- Bluebell Primary, Norwich
- Bure Park Specialist Academy, Great Yarmouth
- Dussindale Primary
- East Ruston Infant and Nursery
- Eaton Hall Specialist Academy
- Edith Cavell Academy and Nursery, Norwich
- Hemblington Primary School
- Hillside Avenue Primary, Thorpe St Andrew
- Martham Academy and Nursery
- North Walsham Infant School and Nursery
- North Walsham Junior School
- Sewell Park Academy, Norwich
- Sprowston Community Academy
- St Clements Hill Primary, Norwich
- Stalham Infant and Junior
- Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form
- Tuckswood Academy
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