AN MP says he is pleased to see an end to school strikes – but says concerns raised during the dispute must still be examined.
Members of the National Education Union (NEU) called off industrial action following talks with the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP).
Walkouts by teachers and support staff had forced some local schools to close, but pupils will now return to the classroom next week.
Labour MP Dave Robertson said:
“The end of the strikes across Arthur Terry Learning Partnership schools is good news for everyone in the community – we should all be pleased to see children returning to the classrooms.
“It remains essential that the concerns raised about ATLP’s governance structures are properly addressed. I intend to raise this directly in my upcoming meeting with the Minister.
“I have also written to the new interim CEO of ATLP and look forward to meeting him to discuss how we can ensure the best future for pupils, staff and families while ATLP is working on the financial recovery of the trust.”
While the trust said it had halted the current redundancy process, it said it remained committed to tackling the financial challenges it faces.
A spokesperson said:
“The ATLP has agreed to pause all current restructuring and redundancy consultations, will take every step possible so that any future compulsory redundancies are a last resort, and has committed to reviewing central trust costs so that additional funding can be directed to schools.
“Both parties recognise the significant financial challenges facing ATLP and agree that action must be taken to ensure the financial recovery of the trust. Therefore we will together attend weekly meetings to assess the financial situation, agree the plan to tackle the deficit, and monitor progress.
“NEU representatives and ATLP leaders agree that this transparent, open and collaborative approach will mean the financial challenges can be addressed most effectively. We will actively seek staff and parent input to the decision-making process.
“ATLP and the NEU recognise that no staff take the decision to go on strike lightly, and that industrial action causes disruption, especially to children and young people, and their families.
“All parties welcome the establishment of a constructive relationship and look forward to working closely to address and tackle the issues together.”
