Shropshire parents in limbo over school strikes
Parents were today in limbo with schools yet to reveal whether they will be open when teachers take part in the first national strike in almost three years.
Schools may be forced to close on Wednesday as thousands of teachers take part in a day of action over reforms to pay and pensions.
But yesterday many schools were still to decide whether they will shut, leaving parents facing a potential childcare nightmare.
The strike, organised by the National Union of Teachers, is over workloads, performance-related pay, pensions and conditions. A one-day dispute by the NUT and NASUWT last took place in October.
Teachers who plan to strike are not obliged to inform employers in advance, which makes it difficult for schools to know if they will have enough staff.
The Shropshire Star contacted a number of schools but none would commit to whether or not they would be open.
A spokeswoman for Schools Human Resources at Shropshire Council said: "Schools will advise parents about their operational arrangements including whether they will be open, closed or partially open, to selected year groups or classes. We advise that parents contact schools directly if they have not yet been informed."
Nigel Newman, for Telford & Wrekin Council, said that three schools have so far confirmed they will be affected.
He said: "While we recognise people's right to take industrial action, our advice to schools is clear that they should do everything they possibly can to keep schools open."
The affected schools are Queenswood Primary School & Nursery, Ketley Bank; Hollinswood Primary School & Nursery, Hollinswood, and Southall School, Dawley.
For the full list of classes affected at Telford & Wrekin schools, visit:
Telford & Wrekin Council school closures page
Telford & Wrekin Council's Twitter feed @TelfordWrekin
