Teachers strike on biggest day of industrial action in a decade
Many schools across Dorset have been forced to close today (Wednesday), as teachers strike in the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade
Members of the National Education Union (NEU) will walk out of schools across England and Wales on the first day of action in a row over pay - leaving many schools with no choice but to close.
Closures will affect millions of working parents and families across Dorset.
The current offer on the table of 5% pay increase from government falls short of the 12% requested by NEU and other teaching union, NASUWT.
Union bosses say the education secretary has "squandered an opportunity" to avert strike action, following talks held with Gillian Keegan yesterday.
Mass demonstrations will be held in support of the strikes today. At 10.45am in central Bournemouth and at midday in Weymouth.
In a survey completed by NASUWT in 2022, it was found that 68% of existing teachers want to quit the job, with 54% of them citing pay as a key factor.
A spokesperson for number 10 Downing Street says it wants to try to help unions receive a fair and affordable pay deal.
Here's a list of local school closures:
Confirmed closed or partially closed on February 1st:
- The Bishop of Winchester Academy – Only open to years 11 and 13. And to vulnerable children, or children of critical workers.
- St Peter's RC School – Open to Reception and years 1, 3 and 7.
- The Blandford School – Only open to years 11 and 13.
- Lytchett Minster School – Only open to years 11 and students EHCP and CIC.
- The Thomas Hardye School – Closed apart from to vulnerable students.
- Avonbourne Academies – Closed to years 7-10. Year 11 and vulnerable children in school.
- Glenmoor and Winton Academies – Only open to years 7, 10 and 11.
- St Aldhelm's Academy – Only open to year 11.
- Ferndown Upper School – School open, apart from years 9 and 10.
- Ferndown First School - School currently plans to open. More details to follow.
- Bournemouth School – Partially open.
- The Cornerstone Academy – Open to years 7, 10 and 11.
More information will be available as we get it.