Strikes start over school academy plan

Union members demonstrated on Thursday

Strikes have started at a Birmingham school over concerns about it becoming an academy.

National Education Union (NEU) members gathered with placards outside Swanshurst School in Billesley on Thursday.

The union said the strike opposed "possible changes to terms and conditions of employment" if the school were to become an academy.

Birmingham City Council (BCC) said it was "disappointed" by the union's stance and that staff had been assured terms and conditions would not change.

Swanshurst School, which is rated outstanding by Ofsted, caters to girls aged between 11 and 18

A letter from the school's headteacher revealed it was exploring whether to form a multi-academy trust with Hall Green School and Kings Norton Girls'.

Following a public consultation, a decision was made this month to proceed with establishing West Midlands Academy Trust (WMAT).

The three schools are anticipated to transfer to the trust early next year.

However, the NEU has called for the school to reverse its decision over becoming an academy.

A BCC spokesperson said the school had held meetings with union representatives and the local authority but a resolution had not yet been found.

"We will work closely with the school to ensure any impact on the children's learning will be minimised and ensure that arrangements to support vulnerable children and those on free school meals are put in place," they added.

The NEU said further strike action in September and October would be confirmed shortly.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.