Chief education officer Graham Badman today answered critics of his plans to shake up Oxford schools saying the reorganisation would not damage children's education.

Parents, governors and teachers have warned of a crisis hitting at the heart of the education system.

Teachers have quit and there have been warnings that pupils may have to be sent home because of a lack of teachers.

Some schools are struggling to fill places for next term.

Now Mr Badman has hit back. And he maintains the switch will be right for the city.

Writing exclusively in today's Oxford Mail, he says: "Children are not going to suffer as a result of this.

"Why would I let any child's education be damaged? "I am very conscious of the feelings of staff and I am confident jobs for those who want them will be found and soon.

"Beneath all these arguments there is genuine concern for standards in education in the city schools.

"This is a move in the right direction and a move, I am sure, every parent will eventually realise is right for the future of their child."

Oxfordshire county councillors voted to scrap middle schools and replace them with a new primary and secondary education structure last February and have faced widespread criticism ever since.

More than 1,300 letters of protest were presented to education bosses by parents pleading for middle schools to stay. Protesters have also handed over a 20,000-word report which studies the effects the change would have.

Annie Skinner, who formed the Save our Schools campaign, believes the changes cannot be implemented without damaging children's education.

Martin Thomas, head of Temple Cowley Middle School, has expressed fears he may have to send pupils home unless he can find teachers.

But at Oxford School, which would see pupil numbers more than double, head Ian Johnson has seen a flurry of applications from teachers. Mr Johnson said: "We've just appointed seven new staff all of them realise the exciting opportunities and career development they will have in Oxford under the new system."

Now the man behind the plans gives his side of the story.