Teachers go on strike over 'poor management'

The school is partially open to some year groups

Teachers in Wiltshire are staging a two-day walkout over what they say is "poor management".

Staff at Melksham Oak Community School say they feel anxious, overworked and disempowered and are now taking strike action.

The school is partially open to some years across Wednesday and Thursday.

The White Horse Foundation, which manages the school, says it has worked hard to address staff concerns, and that it is "disappointed" by the walkout.

The school is open for Years 7 and 19 on Wednesday, and Years 8 and 10 on Thursday, and online work has been set for students not in school.

Year 12 pupils are in both days.

The teachers say they are not being supported by management and have raised a number of health and safety, and workload issues, as well as problems with behaviour management.

'A clear strategy'

The Teachers’ Union at Melksham Oak Community School said a series of decisions" have made it increasingly difficult for the teachers to do their jobs.

Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of the union, said: “There are matters to be urgently resolved regarding health and safety, workload, and ineffective policies on pupil behaviour."

“It is imperative that The White Horse Foundation takes these matters seriously."

A spokesperson from The White Horse Federation said the school is in a "much stronger position".

"We are committed to continuing that journey of improvement and we are confident that we have the foundations in place to deliver what the community needs and expects," they said

"We have a clear strategy to ensure Melksham Oak’s progress continues and any further concessions would hinder the important work we are doing to provide the best educational experience possible for Melksham Oak students."