March 19, 2014 9.49 am This story is over 120 months old

Lincolnshire school closures expected as teachers prepare to strike

School closures expected: Several schools across Lincolnshire could be closed as teachers prepare to strike on March 26.
Photo: File/Dreamstime

Parents in Lincolnshire are being advised to check if their children’s school will be affected by the planned teachers’ strike action on Wednesday, March 26.

Parents can check closer to the to date whether their school or academy will be affected by the strike on the council’s school closures page.

Also read: School closures announced so far (March 25)

The teachers’ unions have voted in favour of a strike on March 26 over changes to pensions and pay and “excessive workload”.

According to a survey from the Department for Education, a typical primary teacher is now working nearly 60 hours per week, with the average primary head teacher working 60.2 hours. This is an increase of nine hours per week since 2010.

Meanwhile, secondary school head teachers average 63 hours and the teachers work nearly 56 hours a week, almost six hours a week more than in 2010.

Lincolnshire County Council is advising parents to check with the school or local authority if their school plans to close for the day in the run up to the strike.

The council also asked schools and academies to report if they are having to close or partially close on the day.

Debbie Barnes, Director of Children’s Services at the County Council, said: “We have advised schools that if they will be without staff they have to consider whether they have adequate cover to ensure the safety of children.

“This will determine whether they should close for the day or not.

“Schools that are closing should be informing parents and carers as soon as possible so that they can make arrangements for their children.”

David O’Connor, Executive Director for Performance and Governance at the County Council, added: “This is not a local dispute and is likely to affect many public services across the country.

“As a responsible authority, we have been making plans for this industrial action for many weeks and are working towards agreeing service exemptions with the trade unions to ensure vital life and limb services are maintained.

“Plans are also in place to minimise any disruption to other council services and we have asked managers to plan services around possible reduced staffing levels if some are taking leave to look after their children.”

A number of teachers and other academics will congregate on the day for a rally at The Stags Head pub on Newport in Lincoln, from 12.30pm.