Confusion over Shropshire school strike closures
Some parents still do not know if their children's school is to close – just a day before teachers are due to walk out on strike.
The national one-day strike has been organised by the National Union of Teachers. But some schools have still to inform parents about the full effect of the strike.
Dozens of schools across Shropshire and Mid Wales will remain open tomorrow as teachers stage a walkout over pay and pensions.
Latest Shropshire and Mid Wales school strike closures list
The national one-day strike organised by the National Union of Teachers will see thousands of pupils nationwide lose a day of education but while the majority of schools in the region will manage to stay open many will be partially closed to some year groups or forced to shut completely.
With just one day until the planned strike takes place, some parents are still in the dark as schools are unsure if their staff will be taking part in the strike.
Are teachers right to strike? Vote in our poll and have your say in the comment box below.
Teachers who plan to take part are not obliged to inform their place of work in advance, leaving working parents in limbo over arrangements.
Telford & Wrekin Council today confirmed the full school closure of Hollinswood Primary School and Nursery and the partial closure of Queenswood Primary School and Nursery and Southall School in Dawley.
Shropshire and Powys Councils were unable to provide a full list of schools that will be affected and have advised parents to contact the schools individually.
A spokeswoman for Shropshire Council's Schools Human Resources 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.
Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, Powys Council's cabinet member for schools, said: "Parents can find out about proposed school closures by visiting the county council's website www.powys.gov.uk The system records information about all school closures that fall outside agreed term dates.
"Information on the site is provided by individual schools and updates automatically as soon as information is received. The site is commonly used for adverse weather conditions but can include information on closures such as utility failures and industrial action."
The strike will be the first in three years by the NUT and is a response to what it claims is excessive workloads and unfair pensions. The NUT has been embroiled in its current dispute with the Government over pay, pensions and working conditions for over two years, and staged a series of regional strikes with the NASUWT teaching union last year. A proposed one-day national walkout in November by the two unions was called off and the NASUWT has decided not to take part in the latest walkout. But the decision to go ahead with tomorrow's strike by NUT leaders has been criticised by the Department of Education.
Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "Teachers deeply regret the disruption caused by this strike action. The Government's refusal, however, to engage to resolve the dispute means that we have no alternative."
