Parents, workers and children protest over 'damaging' Newcastle school closure
GMB Union organised the protest outside North Tyneside Council
Schoolchildren, parents, carers and staff have been protesting outside North Tyneside Council in anger at the 'damaging' closure of their school.
Students at Churchill Community College have been repeatedly moved since February, following the discovery of cracking and gaps within concrete blocks in the building.
Parents claim, for months their children's education has been disrupted.
A recent GMB survey has highlighted both the educational failings and despair felt by students and parents alike.
The union says these children have no access to practical lessons, including science, music and art and design.
It continued, they have no access to hot school dinners or ability to take part in school activities such as the football club.
GMB Members say pupils are increasingly being taught by a ever changing roster of supply teachers who rely predominantly upon worksheets.
The union is demanding that the council puts in temporary mobile classrooms to get these kids' education back on track.
Stuart Gilhespy GMB Organiser said:
"These kids' stories are heartbreaking and we cannot sit back and let their education to go on being so severely damaged.
"Its clearly time the government steps in to fund these schools being replaced.
"But in the meantime North Tyneside Council must do the right thing and get these kids back onto the school grounds, with access to proper classrooms, hot dinner and access to school activities.
"We will be asking for councillors support this Thursday is ending the gross injustice of this situation for these kids and those who work with them."
The school, North Tyneside Council, and the Department for Education are currently in talks to resolve the issue.