Union members overwhelmingly support strike action
Teaching staff at Pinehurst Primary School in Anfield could strike(Image: Google Maps)
Teachers at a Liverpool school could strike as they are “demanding transparency, respect, and a genuine say in the future of their school.” This comes after it was claimed staff at Pinehurst Primary School in Anfield were made aware of academisation proposals “with no prior consultation with union representatives.”
The National Education Union (NEU) says the school, which is currently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, has shown no educational or financial need for academisation.
The chair of governors and headteacher at Pinehurst Primary announced a consultation period beginning on April 22, with a decision expected by May 20. Staff were informed of the academisation proposal through letters sent on the same day.
The NEU has raised concerns over what it claims is a lack of meaningful engagement and transparency in the process.
Teachers at the school have taken the first formal step towards industrial action in response to the proposals to convert the school into an academy under the Cheshire Academies Trust. The NEU has now issued a notice of a formal ballot for industrial action to the employer following an indicative ballot in which its members overwhelmingly supported strike.
Bora Oktas, regional officer of the NEU said: “This is a good school with a strong community ethos. There is no academy order in place, and no evidence has been presented to justify this move.”
Mr Oktas added: “Our members have made it clear that they do not support the academisation of Pinehurst Primary School. The process has lacked proper consultation, and the decision to pursue this path appears to be driven by the ill-informed governing body without sufficient justification or input from staff.”
Karen Copsey, joint-assistant secretary of Liverpool NEU Branch, said: “Liverpool NEU Branch stands firmly with our members at Pinehurst, who are rightly demanding transparency, respect, and a genuine say in the future of their school.”
The NEU represents majority of the teachers and support staff at the school. The union is calling for the proposal to be scrapped and for the school to remain under the governance of Liverpool City Council.
Ms Copsey added: “The NEU will not stand by while its members are sidelined in decisions that affect their working lives and the education of children. We are seeing a pattern of rushed academisation attempts across the city, and Pinehurst is the latest example of how not to conduct a consultation.”
The NEU has raised concerns about the consultation process, which was initially set for just four weeks – including the half-term break. Only after NEU members raised concerns was the period extended by two weeks.
Mr Oktas stated: “Even with the extension, this is still a rushed process. No community impact assessment has been conducted. No equality analysis has been offered. The governing body is selling a false dream to parents and staff.
“We are calling on the employer to drop this ill-conceived plan and instead work collaboratively with staff, parents, and the wider community to build on the school’s existing strengths.”
Both Liverpool Council and Pinehurst Primary School were contacted for comment.