Much Wenlock William Brookes School teachers' strike called off

Union members at the school had voiced concerns over behaviour and health and safety

A teachers' strike at a Shropshire secondary school has been called off.

Members of the National Education Union (NEU) at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock were to strike for the next two days over safety and behaviour concerns.

The NEU says the two sides have now agreed to regular meetings to discuss the issues.

The dispute erupted after work began in the open-plan style building to improve safety and pupil noise on balconies.

The 3-18 Education Trust, which runs the school, said the work was aimed at reducing the risk of falls from the balconies.

David O' Toole, from the trust, said concerns had also been raised about the possibility of pupils climbing over the balconies.

He said a decision was taken during the summer to create full-height partitions on the balconies that would make the school feel "quieter and calmer by eliminating risks".

'Constructive discussions'

When the strike was called, NEU district secretary John Boken said underlying issues about behaviour had to be looked at and "not just put some walls up".

The union also said it hadn't been given building plans, fire safety compliance and ventilation assessments in relation to the retro-fitting work. The project followed a complete rebuilding of the school in 2010.

Mr Boken said the agreement to hold termly meetings followed "constructive discussions", and hoped that it would lead to better working conditions for members.