‘Standing up for our children’: parents divided over London teachers’ strikes
Summary
Teachers in several schools across Waltham Forest, east London, are striking over planned job cuts and reduced support for children with special needs. Some parents support the strikes, citing concerns about school funding and services, while others worry about the disruption to their families.Key Facts
- Teachers at South Grove primary school and other local schools have been on strike, closing school gates to pupils.
- Strikes are connected to planned job losses and cuts to special needs support, due to budget deficits and rising costs.
- South Grove faces high expenses from a private finance deal, special needs provision, and a costly new catering contract.
- Some parents joined the picket lines to support teachers and students, while others are concerned about the impact of frequent strikes.
- The National Education Union (NEU) says strikes in Waltham Forest reflect a wider trend in London due to falling pupil numbers and school restructures.
- NEU reports 13 workplaces in Waltham Forest and 26 across London have voted for strikes in the current school year.
- Nationally in England, 171 workplaces have held successful strike ballots compared to 117 the previous year.
- The NEU is asking the government for a pay increase above inflation; if not granted, they may organize a national strike.
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