The county council has received the following information from schools, in advance of the industrial action by the NUT on Thursday 24 April:
In Cumbria:
- 190 schools expect to remain open, including 14 secondary schools
- 92 schools expect to close including 11 secondary schools
- 53 schools in total will be partially open, but only for certain classes or year groups - including 17 secondary schools.
- a small number of schools will only be open for part of the day
- 3 special schools for children with disabilities expect to be closed; these are James Rennie School, Mayfield School and Sandgate School.
Most of the schools expecting to close or only partially open on Thursday have already sent out letters to parents and carers explaining how this will affect them. Parents need to check these letters carefully as some after school clubs, sports practice and other services may also be affected.
The county council will be co-ordinating changes to school transport arrangements and other services for schools. Staff are also on standby to help with schools which face unexpected difficulties on the strike day itself. The council has written to all foster carersof school age children to find out whether they will need additional help or support on Thursday.
John Swainston is Head of Schools and Learning at Cumbria County Council. He said:
"Many schools will remain open on Thursday but we expect a large number will be closed due to the strike.
"We will be working closely with schools over the next few days to ensure that parents and carers continue to receive up-to-date information, and to co-ordinate our services to schools.
"We hope that a way forward can swiftly be found to settle this dispute and avoid further disruption for children and young people."
ENDS
Further information from Alison Lister, media officer, on (01228) 606335
Notes
Members of the NUT have voted for a national strike in response to the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommended pay increase for school teachers.
The proposed pay deal would see an increase of 2.45 per cent in September 2008 followed by increases of 2.3 per cent in 2009 and 2010.
Voting was 48,217 (75%) in favour and 15,884 (25%) against on a 32% turnout.
Follow this link to view school closures by town