Teachers strike at The Deepings School after 'more than 70 staff resignations' in 18 months
Teachers at a Lincolnshire school are striking over working conditions after more than 70 staff members reportedly resigned in the past 18 months. Members of NASUWT – The Teachers' Union at The Deepings School in Deeping St James took two days of strike action on Tuesday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 2.
The union says the strikes were called over working practices and a management culture which is "driving up teachers' workload" and "failing to support them to promote positive pupil behaviour". Planned strike action was called off last July after a series of talks about the key concerns facing members.
It was agreed there would be consultation with union reps on those issues but the union says, upon returning to school for the new academic year, members were presented with a revised policy on pupil behaviour that had not been agreed or even discussed with reps. It is claimed that new staff are expected to work through their lunchbreak as part of "The Anthem Way". The school is part of Anthem, which is a a multi-academy trust.
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Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT general secretary, said: "The employer has broken promises made to us and our members and things have got worse, not better, for teachers at the school. This strike action is entirely the responsibility of the employer who has reneged on promises and failed to address our members’ requests for safe and healthy working conditions.
"The employer must now recognise the strength of feeling of teachers and agree to genuine consultation and tangible positive change in management practices and culture."
A NASUWT leaflet sent to parents, seen by Lincolnshire Live, claims that more than 70 staff members resigned in the past 18 months. It also claims that year 12 students are left with no option but to find alternative education due to most courses being full.
A spokesperson for Anthem Schools Trust said: "We are very disappointed that members of the NASUWT and the National Education Union at The Deepings School have voted to take strike action on Tuesday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 2. The trust and school are committed to the education and wellbeing of all our students and this is why the school will remain open to all year groups on those days.
"All necessary measures are in place to support the learning of all students across the school, with adjustments made as necessary to limit any disruption to the school day. The school is working hard to address union members’ concerns, with senior leaders providing additional supervision and maintaining a visible presence in and around the school.
"The Deepings School had a very positive external review last week, with education consultants noting a ‘visible and tangible’ improvement in behaviour and attitudes. The review also found that the trust has overseen the successful development of a richer and more challenging curriculum at The Deepings.
"The trust continues to work intensively with the school’s leadership team in its drive and commitment to giving students at The Deepings School a high standard of education and to preparing them for the next stage of their lives. We are always open to holding talks with the unions and remain fully committed to working with them to find a resolution that supports both staff and the leadership team, while maintaining our focus on raising educational standards for our students."