Confusion as Shropshire schools to be hit by teachers' strike
Parents in Shropshire face disruption tomorrow, with a number of the region's schools expected to be affected by strike action.
Hundreds of teachers are set to walk out, although the situation is confused as councils cannot provide a definitive list of schools being forced to close.
Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils have advised parents to check on individual websites if they have not been directly informed about potential closures.
The whole of Grove Secondary School at Market Drayton will be closed on Tuesday, while Thomas Adams School at Wem will be closed for years 7, 8, and 9.
In Telford & Wrekin, Telford Priory will be closed to years 7,8, and 9, Hadley Learning Community will only be open to year 10 students, while Charlton School is completely closed.
The strike by members of the National Union of Teachers is the first taken by the union's members since 2014 and is expected to affect thousands of schools across the country.
NUT members voted overwhelmingly in favour of action over school funding and to resume negotiations on teacher contracts.
The NUT ballot saw 91.7 per cent vote in favour of strike action, with a 24.5 per cent turnout.
Karen Bradshaw, Shropshire Council's director of children's services, encouraged any parents who do not know if their child's school will be open to check the website or contact the school directly.
She said: "Some Shropshire schools may potentially be closed on Tuesday.
"Each governing body makes the decision on whether it will be necessary to close their school, based on each individual circumstance. However we have been, and continue to work with county trade union representatives and schools to provide advice and support, look at the potential impact, and minimise the disruption caused by the planned industrial action.
"Schools will be advising parents about their operational arrangements including whether they will be open, closed or partially open to selected year groups or classes.
"Schools are also asked to inform Shropshire Council. At this stage, some schools have confirmed if they will be open, closed or partially open. We are expecting to hear from the remaining schools shortly."
Telford and Wrekin councillor Gill Reynolds also urged parents to check websites or contact the school directly, adding: "We have asked schools to keep us informed."
