News / Education
Strike begins at primary school over alleged ‘culture of fear’
Staff at an Eastville primary school have begun strike action after raising concerns about what they describe as a “toxic” workplace culture involving bullying and intimidation.
Joined by pupils and parents, members of the National Education Union (NEU) took to the picket line at the gates of the closed May Park Primary School on Thursday morning, with further strike dates planned if a resolution cannot be reached with the school’s academy trust.
The teachers said the strike comes amid allegations that the school’s management uses “racist tropes” and that there is a “culture of fear and bullying”.
Excalibur Academies Trust, of which the school is a member, said the school takes the concerns raised “extremely seriously”, and has met the NEU’s demands in recent talks but the dispute remains unresolved.
The school’s principal, Emma Tovey, said: “Our priority remains working together with all parties to reach a resolution that avoids further impact on children’s education.
“We would like to thank parents and carers for the understanding they have shown as we have work through this matter.”
The union alleges school management employs “racist tropes”, and claims black members of staff are subject to “undue scrutiny” in comparison to other colleagues
Speaking at the strike, Tom Bolton, joint branch and district secretary for the NEU, said the union was seeking assurances that issues would be addressed.
“What we want is something that gets to the root of the issue and gives members confidence that these problems won’t happen again,” Bolton said.
He added: “When we talk about safety here, we mean psychological safety – coming to work knowing you’ll be supported and not undermined.”
The dispute has been developing for around ten months, according to the union, with staff raising concerns internally before voting to strike.
Tom Bolton said the union was in ongoing negotiations with the academy trust
A staff member who did not wish to give his name said he decided to support the action after learning about colleagues’ experiences.
“When I went to the union meeting and found out some of the things that had happened to people I know and trust, I was appalled,” he said.
“You can’t let that kind of thing stand without doing something about it.”
He said he had not personally experienced discrimination but believed there was a lack of trust between staff and leadership.
“We’re told there’s an open door policy, but I don’t feel like I could go in and say the things I’d want to say,” he said.
One parent who supported the strike said the situation had been upsetting for families.
“It’s devastating,” said Claire Robinson, a parent of a Year 4 pupil.
“This school has an incredible community. We came here for the culture and the sense of support and joy.”
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A spokesperson for Excalibur Academies Trust said: “May Park Primary School has been notified that members of the NEU are taking industrial action today, Thursday, March 12, and tomorrow, Friday March 13, following a recent union ballot.
“Excalibur Academies Trust, of which the school is a member, has been engaged in ongoing negotiations with the NEU most recently on Thursday last week and Monday and Tuesday this week and, on each occasion, has met the demands being presented.
“Despite this, Excalibur and the NEU have been unable to resolve the dispute at this time.”
All photos & video: Betty Woolerton
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