An estimated 85 per cent of English and Welsh state schools are reportedly closed to some or all pupils today, impacting millions of children, due to industrial action being taken by members of the National Education Union (NEU).
Teachers are among half a million striking today as civil servants, train drivers and border force staff take part in ‘Walkout Wednesday’.
A Stockport nursery teacher taking part in today’s strike action told Nursery World, ‘I've spoken to a couple of parents who are on side – especially when I explain the funding issue. People don't seem to know that it's not all about the pay rise. Yes, it's low, but I appreciate I'm on considerably more than the parents earn in my catchment. I would have accepted a lower pay rise if it had been funded by central government.
‘I believe we are going to end up using that pay rise to fund more resources soon ourselves. As an EYFS teacher for 20yrs, I have always bought the “nice” bits to compliment topics but there comes a point where it's not do-able anymore. I have subsidised so many children's education over the years.
‘There is no money in the pot.’
Another striking nursery teacher said, 'I am not striking for pay, although I know this is part of the NEU's discussions. I am striking because I have seen the results of the cuts to school budgets. The cuts particularly affect children with SEND. Also, teaching assistants are leaving in droves, and they are not being replaced due to lack of funds.
I work in an affluent area, my children will be okay in the long run. They have parents who spend time reading with them, taking them to National Trust places and all sorts of amazing enrichment experiences. This is not the case for many of my colleagues in other schools. If children do not access something at school, like reading with an adult every day and experiencing the things school trips provide, they will not experience them at all. They will miss out completely. All children deserve enriching opportunities and the support they need. They are being failed.'
She added, 'My head asked a TA to cover my class and she said yes. I feel really let down by this.'
Among those striking is Dr Nathan Archer, director of the International Montessori Institute in the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University.
Posting on Twitter (@NathanArcher1) he said, ‘I am striking today to support colleagues across the HE sector to achieve fair working conditions, pensions and pay, as well as equality.’
The shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson tweeted, ‘The responsibility for the disruption to children’s learning today lies squarely with the Government.’
Photo courtesy of @NEUnion Twitter
As part of strike action, the NEU has organised a march in central London and a rally in Whitehall where the union’s joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted will speak alongside other NEU representatives.
The union’s other joint general secretary Kevin Courtney will be attending three rallies in the Midlands today.
He said, ‘Taking strike action is very much a last resort for our members. They do so with a heavy heart because they cannot stand by and watch their pupils not receiving the education they deserve.
‘Parents know from first-hand experience that children are losing out because of the chronic shortage of teachers. Often pupils are being taught by short-term supply, or staff who aren’t qualified in the subject they’re teaching.
‘Knowing that parents and members of the community support them taking a stand to Save Our Schools will give educators huge confidence in taking this action, not just for fair pay, but in defence of children’s education.’
Education secretary Gillian Keegan said, 'I am very grateful to head teachers for all their work to keep our schools open and to minimise the impact of today's strike action.
'One school closure is too many, and it remains deeply disappointing that the NEU proceeded with this disruptive action – but many teachers, headteachers and support staff have shown that children’s education and wellbeing must always come first.
'Conversations with unions are ongoing and I will be continuing discussions around pay, workload, recruitment and retention, and more.'
