Teacher strikes to affect hundreds of East Lancashire children

Pupils at six Burnley and Pendle primary schools will be hit as teachers are set to take industrial action over pay and pensions.

Scores of youngsters at Brunshaw, Casterton and Rosewood primary schools in Burnley will face a day away from the classroom after the strike was called by the National Union of Teachers.

Casterton Primary and Rosewood School will be completely closed during the strike. Brunshaw Primary School will be closed to pupils in the nursery, reception and years 2,3,4 an 5 but the remaining pupils will attend classes as scheduled.

Colne Park High School will be completely closed tomorrow. Earby Springfield Primary School will be closed to all pupils with the exception of Lowry Year 2/3 class who will attend all day and pupils in Years 4 and 5 who will attend for the morning session only.

Trawden Forest Primary School will be closed to pupils in years 1,2,3 and 4 only – the remainder of pupils will attend school as scheduled.

County Coun. Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “In the main, schools manage themselves, so headteachers must decide how to deal with the upcoming strike, based on the particular circumstances of their individual schools.

“We will, of course, offer support and advice, but it will be up to headteachers to make their own decisions based on staffing numbers.”

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union said: “Teachers deeply regret the disruption caused by this strike action to parents and teachers.

“The Government’s refusal, however, to engage to resolve the dispute means that we have no alternative other than to demonstrate the seriousness of our concerns.

“Our concerns are not just for teachers but for the future standard and provision of education”.