Teachers stage strike - and plan further action for next week (From St Helens Star)

Newton-le-Willows primary school teachers stage strike - and plan further action for next week

5:55pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

DISPUTE: Teachers on the picket line yesterday

TEACHING union members walked out at a primary school because of a dispute over a new appraisal system.

The NASUWT say 13 teachers from Newton-le-Willows Primary School took strike action on Tuesday.

They held the demonstrations over a new system, which they claim would allow headteachers to monitor teachers in lessons on an unlimited number of occasions.

St Helens Council’s response contradicted the unions claim that 13 staff had gone on strike, stating that only eight of the schools 22 teachers joined the industrial action.

The difference in numbers is believed to be because five union members are part-time and were not due in work that day.

However, the NASUWT insisted those members had supported the action.

The council added that despite the strike the school remained open, however, education bosses did not comment on what disruption it may have caused to pupils or lessons.

A council spokesman said: “The process of appraisal remains the same. There is still a limit of three hours for lesson observations within appraisal – the same as the old Performance Management regulations, which the government has revoked.

“To allay fears, following extensive consultation with the trade unions, the Governors at the school have issued additional operational guidelines.

“They have agreed that should the head teacher need to undertake more lesson observations, this would need approval from the Chair of Governors.”

Two more days of strike action are planned for next week.