Members of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union at Melksham Oak Community School in Wiltshire will strike on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th July over adverse management practices.

Teachers at Melksham Oak are concerned for the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their pupils after a series of decisions made by senior leadership have made it increasingly difficult for the teachers to do their jobs.

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said:

“All employers have a duty of care towards their employees, and employees have a right to a safe working environment. When concerns are raised, they must be listened to and acted upon.

“Members at Melksham Oak Community School have brought a number of issues to the attention of their employer. There are matters to be urgently resolved regarding health and safety, workload, and ineffective policies on pupil behaviour.

“It is imperative that The White Horse Foundation takes these matters seriously, and comes to the table with NASUWT to find solutions.”

Mike Leigh, National Executive Member for District 20, said:

“Teachers at Melksham Oak do not want to take to the picket line but after many unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with management, they have no choice.

“There are serious issues at the school regarding communication between teachers and managers, health and safety, workload, and behaviour management. Teachers there feel anxious, overworked, and disempowered. A small number of pupils with challenging behaviour are creating an unsafe environment for others, and teachers are not supported by management to deal with them effectively.

“There needs to be real change at Melksham Oak, and it needs to happen fast. Teachers and pupils there deserve better.”