Update: 21 January

We are parents and carers of children attending schools within the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.

We support our teachers and support staff and recognise the care and professionalism they show to our children every day. We understand that industrial action has been taken because staff have not been given assurances that compulsory redundancies will be avoided. We do not hold staff responsible for the current disruption.

Strike action is taking place, with children unable to attend school for a second week. Industrial action has not been called off, and further strike days are planned for the third week running. In addition, there have been numerous demonstrations and rallies in recent days, reflecting the depth of concern among staff and the ongoing nature of this dispute.

Thousands of families across the Trust are affected, with significant impact on children’s education and on parents’ ability to work and care for their families. Working parents in particular are experiencing serious difficulties arranging childcare or maintaining employment during prolonged uncertainty. Repeated disruption is distressing for pupils, families and staff alike.

Responsibility for resolving this dispute rests with Trust leadership. A swift and constructive resolution is urgently needed to protect children’s education, family stability and staff wellbeing.

We therefore call on the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership Trust Board to:

• commit that no compulsory teacher or support staff redundancies will take place
• reach an agreement with the recognised trade unions that brings industrial action to an end
• act transparently and be accountable in Trust-level decision-making

We support teachers. We want stability for our children and families. This situation must be resolved as a matter of urgency.