Lichfield MP calls for education trust and union to work together to mitigate impact of strike on students

LICHFIELD’S MP has called for all parties involved in strike action at local schools to work together in order to minimise disruption for students.

Members of the National Education Union (NEU) have voted in favour of industrial action after the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) unveiled plans for redundancies.

The education trust said overstaffing had been “masked by an accounting error” in a previous year.

But the union said any cuts to pupil-facing roles “will always damage education”.

Labour MP Dave Robertson – a former pupil at Nether Stowe School which could be hit by the walkout in January – said it was crucial that all parties work together to mitigate the impact on students.

He said:

“The only constructive way to resolve this situation is for ATLP and the NEU to come together and work towards an agreement that avoids disruption for young people.

“I have already spoken with the NEU and will be meeting with ATLP in the New Year to encourage both parties to engage meaningfully and find a way forward that prevents industrial action across the seven schools in the area.

“The priority remains ensuring that children’s education is protected and that all sides work collaboratively to reach a fair and sustainable resolution.”

The proposed strike dates are:

• 14th January
• 15th January
• 20th January
• 21st January
• 22nd January
• 26th January
• 27th January
• 28th January
• 29th January

Trust bosses say “early indications” suggest the likes of The Bridge Academy and Greysbrooke Primary School in Shenstone are unlikely to be impacted by the strike.

However, ALTP – which also operates Anna Seward Primary School, Scotch Orchard Primary School, St Chad’s Primary School, St Michael’s Primary School and Nether Stowe School – admitted other sites some sites could be closed when teachers walk out.