Parents at a Nottingham primary school say they back upcoming strike action by teachers across the county and praised the "fantastic" work they do. The regional branch of the National Education Union (NEU) says it expects virtually all Nottinghamshire primary and secondary schools to be impacted in some way by the walk-outs, which will start on Tuesday (February 1).
The action has been triggered as teachers fight for an above-inflation pay rise. Department for Education guidance states that school head teachers should try as much as possible to keep schools open whilst strike action takes place.
But the NEU says that several secondary and primary schools will have to completely close due to requirements around how many teachers are needed on site to ensure the safety of pupils. But despite the disruption that the strikes may cause, people living near the Porchester Junior School in Carlton largely supported them.
Read more: Woman feared dying after losing 2 litres of blood in miscarriage
Adam McMullan, a 32-year-old site manager who lives near the school, said: "I think striking is the right thing to do. I have a lot of family members who work for the NHS, so that means a lot to me.
"They work so hard. I think for a lot of years, workers have been taken for granted and have just been expected to do everything they're asked to do.
"I think teachers are right to do it too. For me it would be NHS workers as the top priority, then teachers and then railway workers.
"The teachers here are amazing, they're fantastic. The school is so welcoming and the teachers do a fantastic job. We moved our child from another school to this one and it's been great."
Sherice Abdelaziz, 44, who works as a self-employed hairdresser, said: "I support them [teachers] striking. Any workers who feel like they haven't been treated fairly should strike.
"I think anyone who is being underpaid should be free to strike if that's what they want to do. Teachers and nurses - they should be getting paid more. It's all a mess at the moment."
Chereen Myles, a 41-year-old carer who also lives near the school, said: "I'm for it. It's not something that really concerns me but I agree they should strike if they feel they deserve more.
"I don't think that this school is closing so it's not going to affect me or my children. The school hasn't mentioned closing down or much about the strikes. As far as I know they're still going to be open."
Some Nottinghamshire schools have already confirmed plans to fully close on the first day of strike action. Following the nationwide strike on February 1, another strike affecting Nottinghamshire will take place on March 1. There will then be two further nationwide strikes on March 15 and March 16.
Department for Education guidance also states that if a partial or full closure takes place, efforts should be made to prioritise certain pupils. This includes vulnerable children, the children of critical workers and those due to take public exams or other assessments.
Why not sign up to one of our newsletters by clicking here to keep up with all the latest news from across Nottinghamshire.
READ NEXT:
- Asylum seeker living in city hotel says 'we are seen as animals'
- Boss 'traumatised' after shop break-in causes 'utter devastation'
- Nottingham sweet shop Treat Kitchen set to close after two years
- Pub reopens after makeover based on customers' suggestions
- First Nottinghamshire schools announce whether they will close for teacher strikes
