School defends Barcelona training

Barcelona was chosen because it embraces culture, said Mr Guy

A head teacher whose school flew staff to Barcelona for a training trip said the weekend was the "cheapest option".

Adrian Guy and 20 teachers from Whitegate End Primary School in Oldham, visited the Spanish city at a total cost of £5,691.

Mr Guy claimed the trip, which meant the school was closed on Friday, cost less than local training programmes.

But Chadderton South councillor Dave Hibbert said he did not understand why the event was held abroad.

The residential programme, designed to enhance "creative teaching and cultural awareness", cost £271 per person.

It was funded by the school's training budget and staff contributions.

The one-day closure of Whitegate End formed part of four days set aside for staff training and curriculum planning during the term, according to Mr Guy.

It's a cavalier decision which is going to antagonise people and certainly sends out the wrong message Dave Hibbert, Chadderton South ward councillor

He said: "Barcelona was chosen because the artists Miro and Picasso have been studied in school, and the city exemplifies how to celebrate and embrace culture.

"This training is linked to our School Development Plan and had the support of the school's governing body, including parent and council representatives.

"The timing of the visit coincided with the launch of our second whole school Cultural Awareness Month, which will see many visitors come to the school and several educational visits for our pupils throughout October."

But Chadderton South ward councillor Dave Hibbert said the choice of Barcelona as a venue made the school appear "careless" about money.

He added: "I can understand the need for training but I don't see why this could not have been done locally and as a result it would have benefited the local economy.

"It's a cavalier decision which is going to antagonise people and certainly sends out the wrong message."

A spokeswoman for Oldham Council said staff development was a decision left to individual schools and their governing bodies.

Last week, a similar training exercise for teachers at a Staffordshire school, due to be held in Marbella, was cancelled due to "pressure from media interest".