Teachers To Strike Again At Rothwell Junior School
Written by HFM News on 7th May 2024
Teachers at Rothwell Junior School are to strike again in an on-going dispute over allegations of bullying.
The members of the NASUWT union will walkout tomorrow and on Thursday, forcing the closure of the school to all but Year 6 pupils.
Teachers previously held strike action in March over working conditions and the treatment of staff, but had paused further action after the Pathfinder Schools Trust pledged to investigate.
The union says its members have been left ‘disappointed and frustrated’ by the outcomes of the probe, prompting the further action.
It has taken the decision to exempt Year 6 teachers from the new walkouts – in light of forthcoming SAT exams and says it remains committed to finding a resolution to the dispute and will be meeting the Trust for further negotiations soon.
The scene from strike action in March Pic: NASUWT Union
A spokesperson for Pathfinder Schools said: “We are saddened that whilst strike action planned at Rothwell Junior School for the week beginning 13 May has been withdrawn, strikes planned for Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 May will go ahead, with the exception of year 6 whose teachers have agreed to work.
“Regrettably, in light of this, we have no alternative but to close the school for all year groups except for year 6 on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
“The teachers are striking over claims of bullying. We take any claims of this nature extremely seriously and as such commissioned independent HR experts to investigate these concerns in full. The allegations of bullying were not upheld. The experts’ report makes a series of recommendations, all of which will be implemented, with many already in progress.
“Everyone at the trust is committed to working with all colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the school. W
“We continue to do everything we can to reach out to concerned staff and remain hopeful that we can find a way forward.”
