Rothwell teachers strike over 'toxic work environment'

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

Teachers at a junior school have begun strike action over what they describe as a "toxic work environment".

Staff at Rothwell Junior School in Northamptonshire joined the picket line on the first of six planned days of industrial action.

The NASUWT union said staff had been complaining about poor management and excessive workloads for several months.

The Pathfinder Trust, which runs the school, said it was "committed to productive discussion with the union".

In a letter to parents, the union said its members at the school had "reached a breaking point in their ongoing struggle against a toxic work environment characterised by workplace bullying, fear and unreasonable demands".

Richard Kempa, the NASUWT secretary for north Northamptonshire, insisted that teachers did not want to strike, but added: "Our members have had enough of being treated as second-rate citizens, they've been de-professionalised and they're fed up with the stress, the anxiety and the burnout which is almost inevitable if some things don't change."

One parent told the BBC many children did not want to go to school any more

Emma Regan, who has two children at the school and is supporting the strike, said: "There's lots of parents saying 'my child's just not the same child any more, they've really gone downhill academically, children are sad, they don't want to go to school', it's not good enough."

The NASUWT said some parents supported the strike while others had concerns

The Pathfinder Trust, which runs the school, is also responsible for Montsaye Academy in Rothwell, which is rated as inadequate, and Wilbarston Primary - where some parents kept their children off school last year in a row about a new headteacher.

A spokesperson for Pathfinder said: "We were due to meet with the union on Friday afternoon to progress discussions, having already offered concessions to address some of the areas of concern.

"Very sadly, immediately prior to this meeting taking place, the union posted content on social media and were handing out information to parents at pick up time to indicate that they would be going ahead with strike action.

"We recognise that strike days are also hugely disruptive for families. We will therefore remain open on Tuesday and, so far as possible, deliver a typical school day."