Parents have raised a series of concerns about teaching and staff levels at a Barnet primary school.

A total of 59 parents of pupils at Christ Church Primary School, in Byng Road, High Barnet have signed a letter to chairman of governors Helen Hampson to draw attention to perceived failings.

Headteacher Jackie Treacey was appointed on an interim basis in September, and four teachers and assistants have since resigned – but parents were not told.

In the letter, seen by the Times Series, parents say they understand that when a school goes through a period of transition staff will leave, they are now “increasingly concerned”.

They say they were also left worried by the way one “long-standing and well-respected” teacher’s departure was only “briefly” referred to in the newsletter.

Year 5 pupils are currently without a teacher and are learning from supply teachers, even though a man was appointed to take on the role in December.

The letter states: “Lack of a permanent member of staff is of concern as Year 5 is such a formative year for the children."

The deputy headteacher currently doubles as a reception teacher three days a week because the early years foundation stage leader’s position has not yet been filled.

Parents say this raises the question of who teaches the pupils on the two days a week when the deputy headteacher is fulfilling her other duties.

The letter continues: “The departure of so many teachers, unfilled posts and lack of continuity is very unsettling for many of the children and must impact on their learning.

“The school has not effectively communicated with the parents over the matters raised above.

“The unusually high, unexpected and sudden staff departures have caused us to worry about morale and added stress caused by the changes.”

The school is registered as a Church of England School but pupils no longer sing hymns during assemblies, even though the “strong Christian ethos” is what attracted any to the school in the first place.

The letter adds: “This is a school that we have felt pleased and proud to be part of over so many years and wish to continue doing so.

“Being a Christian school we care and support one another even through change and the welfare of our children and their teachers is paramount to our community.

“In order to reinstil some confidence in the future of the school and our children's education we would like to understand the board of governors' plan for the school to recover from the current situation and the expected time schedule for that.”

In a statement Ms Hampson said: “I can confirm we have received a letter from some parents.

“The governors are discussing the issues raised and we will be responding to them shortly.”