'The Government is letting schools down, just like it’s letting down our NHS'

16 January 2023 , 17:15

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Teachers last took part in a major strike action in 2016 (Image: Getty Images)

Our schools are facing a crisis because of difficulties in attracting and holding onto the teaching and support staff children need.

Special needs support assistants are leaving their jobs for better paid work elsewhere.

Many subject lessons are being taught by teachers who don’t have a qualification in the subject – GCSE chemistry taught from textbooks rather than by an inspirational teacher, for example.

And when Government does give a pay rise, it often doesn’t give schools the money to pay for them, leading to bigger class sizes and job cuts.

That’s why teachers in the National Education Union (NEU) have voted to strike, joining nurses, ambulance workers and other working people who are taking a stand over pay and services.

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NEU Joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney (LightRocket via Getty Images)

Teachers don’t want to strike – but Government is so far not even willing to talk directly about pay and funding.

Instead, Rishi Sunak talks about introducing a “minimum service level” to undermine the right to strike.

Rishi, what about guaranteeing a minimum service on non-strike days?

Why not guarantee children with special needs have the help they need or that your children are taught all subjects by a qualified teacher?

That’s why they need to talk to us. This Government is letting our schools down, just like it’s letting down our NHS.

We know strikes will disrupt parents’ lives and children’s learning.

We’d rather avoid that but the Government has to change course – and we hope readers of the Daily Mirror can help us in that.

We would like you to sign our petition, backing our schools and urging government to come to the table. Sign up at payupsos.com.

After all, you can’t have a growing economy without schools that can educate the next generation, nor without hospitals that can keep our loved ones well.

Let’s unite to save our schools.”

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Kevin Courtney