Teachers set for walk out

Teachers strike at All Saints School, pictured is Mark Guy, science teacher.

The latest strike follows the cancellation of action in November and its postponement in February.

National Union of Teachers (NUT) members say the government has made no serious effort to resolve the dispute and the action is a last resort.

Mansfield’s Manor Academy and Ashfield’s Sutton Community Academy will both be closing their doors for the day.

Jonathon Hickman, headteacher at the Manor Academy said: “Because this is a national strike effecting schools across the country we will be closing.

“Unfortunately we are not able to guarantee the pupils’ safety because of reduced staff numbers.”

Mr Hickman, who is not part of the NUT and so, not striking on the day, added: “Students will be able to access learning materials online and continue to work at home.

“The school will open again on Thursday as usual.”

Simon Martin, headteacher at Sutton Community Academy, said: “It is unfortunate that we will have to close but the number of staff we have in the striking union makes it necessary.

“We regret the disruption to students’ learning but we have to look after their welfare.”

Mr Martin said not all teachers were striking on the day.

He added: “For those in Year 11 we have online learning platforms and students will be set up with work to do for that day.”

Meanwhile Chad readers have given a mixed reaction to the news on our Facebook page.

Zoe Swinn Soon Armstrong said: “If it is government or not, kids are losing a day’s schooling and to them a day is a lot. If we get fined so should schools for striking.”

While Caz Harris said: “I do not disagree with their need to strike but I would have thought that Year 11s, who are due to take exams soon should not be losing a day of school.

Ian Stevenson, NUT regional secretary for Yorkshire and the Midlands said: “We are calling on all NUT members to take part in the action.

“This is about fighting for the education system and what we are hoping is that this will bring parents, teachers and pupils together.”

To find out which schools will be striking on Wednesday visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk and click on learning, then school closures.