TEACHERS across Hampshire have gone on strike, as ongoing industrial action continues.
This is the second time that schools across England have been affected by the ongoing action this year. Many schools are partially open, with parents having been informed in advance of any changes which will affect them or their children.
In Winchester, four schools notified the Hampshire County Council that they would be partially closed to pupils on Thursday, March 2. A full list can be found on the county council website.
St Bede Church of England Primary School, on Gordon Road, Hyde, remained partially open. Western Church of England Primary School, on Brown Drive inFulflood, was opened for Year R pupils, as well as children who had been identified as having parents who are key workers.
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Colden Common Primary School, on Upper Moors Road, was closed to pupils from Year R and Year 2, but remained open for other pupils. Westgate secondary school, on Cheriton Road in Fulflood, Winchester, had classes open to Years 2, 3, 6 7, 10 and special invite, with full details being provided to parents via a letter.
Meanwhile, in Romsey, the Romsey School was only open to pupils in Year 11. In Stockbridge, the Test Valley School was only open to Year 7 and Year 11 pupils.
Speaking in January when the strike dates were announced, Karen Williams, NEU national executive member based in Hampshire, said: “We are striking in Hampshire and nationally because we care about our profession, our students and our schools.
“Education has been consistently underfunded by a government that is refusing to do the best by our young people in state schools.
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“Since 2010, teachers have suffered massive real terms cuts to their pay, which has led to the current crisis in recruitment and retention.
“School budgets are under such pressure that valuable staff are being made redundant, and schools are having to make difficult choices to cut spending to all but essentials.
“No teacher or leader takes the decision to strike lightly.”
Further strikes in the south of England, on Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16, have been announced by the National Education Union.
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