Teachers suspend further strikes at junior school

There were six days of strike action planned

Teachers at a junior school have suspended a second round of strikes.

Fresh walkouts were scheduled for 26 and 27 March by staff at Rothwell Junior School in Northamptonshire.

But after "constructive discussions" with the Pathfinder Trust, which runs the school, the NASUWT union decided to suspend the industrial action.

Teachers were on the picket line earlier this week for the first of six planned strike days after the union said staff had been complaining about poor management and excessive workloads for several months.

Teachers held a picket line outside the school on their first day of action

A spokesperson from the NASUWT said: "We have called off the scheduled two days of strike action next week (Tuesday and Wednesday) only, following discussions with the employer.

"They gave us certain assurances, including that the collective grievance about bullying would be investigated in a timely and thorough manner by external HR [human resources] providers.

"The strike dates in April remain in place at this time, as does the industrial action mandate if the issues of concern are not resolved."

'Constructive discussions'

A spokesperson for Pathfinder Schools said: "Both sides came to the meeting in good faith and willing to engage in constructive discussion.

"Everyone at Pathfinder Schools is committed to ensuring that Rothwell Junior School is the best school it can be, and in which staff are able to do their best work.

"We will continue to do everything we can to support staff as together we continue to make the improvements that are needed."