A teacher training course in Marbella has been cancelled after parents complained it would close their children's school for two days.
The group of 80 teachers from Edensor Technology College in Longton, Staffordshire, had booked the four-star Andalucia Plaza Marbella Hotel from today until Sunday.
Headteacher Richard Mercer claimed it was more cost effective than holding their meeting in Birmingham or London.
But following pressure from parents, and the media, Mr Mercer has now cancelled the trip which is estimated to have cost between £20,000 and £30,000.
It's unlikely the school will get a refund, because the trip to Spain was booked 10 months ago.
Parents were incensed when they found out about the planned visit to the hotel, which boasts three swimming pools, a sauna, a casino and a cocktail bar.
"Why isn't this money being spent on our kids?" said Andy Sales, from Fenton.
"Parents are having to take time off work or are paying for extra childcare while the staff are enjoying the sun at the school's expense."Stoke-on-Trent's Mayor, Mark Meredith, told Sky News Online that his first job is to protect the image and reputation of the city.
"When I heard about it I thought it beggars belief, it's barmy, it's staggering at a time when you've got this global financial crisis in meltdown it just sends out completely the wrong message from Stoke-on-Trent. I'm pleased common sense has prevailed."
But when pressed on the loss of the money, Mr Meredith was unrepentant.
"From the point of view of the teachers it would be unfair for staff to be put through the media mangle over the next few days. You couldn't have pictures of them relaxing on the beach surfacing. If I was the travel company I wouldn't give them the money back."
The staff, who turned up for work this morning with bulging suitcases, will now hold their conference at the school over the next two days.
The group of 80 teachers from Edensor Technology College in Longton, Staffordshire, had booked the four-star Andalucia Plaza Marbella Hotel from today until Sunday.
Headteacher Richard Mercer claimed it was more cost effective than holding their meeting in Birmingham or London.
But following pressure from parents, and the media, Mr Mercer has now cancelled the trip which is estimated to have cost between £20,000 and £30,000.
It's unlikely the school will get a refund, because the trip to Spain was booked 10 months ago.
Parents were incensed when they found out about the planned visit to the hotel, which boasts three swimming pools, a sauna, a casino and a cocktail bar.
"Why isn't this money being spent on our kids?" said Andy Sales, from Fenton.
"Parents are having to take time off work or are paying for extra childcare while the staff are enjoying the sun at the school's expense."Stoke-on-Trent's Mayor, Mark Meredith, told Sky News Online that his first job is to protect the image and reputation of the city.
"When I heard about it I thought it beggars belief, it's barmy, it's staggering at a time when you've got this global financial crisis in meltdown it just sends out completely the wrong message from Stoke-on-Trent. I'm pleased common sense has prevailed."
But when pressed on the loss of the money, Mr Meredith was unrepentant.
"From the point of view of the teachers it would be unfair for staff to be put through the media mangle over the next few days. You couldn't have pictures of them relaxing on the beach surfacing. If I was the travel company I wouldn't give them the money back."
The staff, who turned up for work this morning with bulging suitcases, will now hold their conference at the school over the next two days.
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