Teachers in walkout at key time for examinations

TEACHERS have walked out of the classroom at a key exam period in a strike over what they say are “adverse management practices” at their school.

Flintshire council said action has been taken to ensure there is no disruption to pupils taking external exams at Connah’s Quay High.

Members of the NASUWT at the school have taken the first two of six planned days of strike action over management practices which they say are having a detrimental effect on the working conditions and welfare of members.

The school was shut to year seven, eight and nine pupils on May 24, but remained open to years 10 and 11 who are in the midst of sitting GCSEs. There was further disruption yesterday.

Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary, said: “We are disappointed to have been forced into taking this action. NASUWT had expected the first meeting of that committee to have resulted in further progress being made, which would have negated the need for today’s action. Regrettably, this did not prove to be the case as the will to create a working environment based on mutual professional trust and respect where staff are treated with dignity was sadly lacking in some quarters.”

Rex Phillips, NASUWT National Official Wales, said: “Our members responded positively to the progress that had been made between NASUWT, the governors and the local authority but have been stunned by the failure of the school management to recognise and acknowledge the problems that exist within the school.”

It is understood that the strike involves 12 teachers.