UP TO 15 full-time equivalent jobs could go at Tavistock College but the principal has challenged the GMB union's claim that disadvantaged children will suffer.

The GMB is warning of the impact on its members and vulnerable children by the lost of these posts, expected to hit support staff, but principal ­Helen Salmon has strongly denied that the redundancies will effect special needs services.

She told the Times this week that college governors had yet to make a final decision on the redundancy process and she could not comment further until then for reasons of staff confidentiality but she did confirm that no redundancies are proposed for teaching assistants.

She added: 'However, I have to challenge the GMB's contention that our disadvantaged students will suffer. I have put a whole raft of new measures in place which will enable us to provide a more effective and efficient service for our vulnerable students.

'We have reorganised the way our teaching assistants operate, we are recruiting a new special educational needs' co-ordinator, we have a new behavioural unit and our counselling support is being improved.

'I have put more resources into our special needs' services and I am confident this will improve the help and support we can give our vulnerable students.'

GMB regional officer Tony Downing said: 'The potential loss of these posts will seriously affect the ability of the college to provide service to some of the most disadvantaged youngsters in Devon.'

He said he would be discussing the matter with West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox and meeting parents and interested parties in the near future.

It is hoped fewer than 15 full-time equivalent posts will be affected by the cuts but Tavistock College will not know for certain what budget decisions have to be made until Devon County Council sets its own budget next week.