Teachers at two primary schools in Greater Manchester went on strike in January over what the NASUWT union described as a 'culture of violence and intimidation,' with frequent attacks on staff. The walkouts at Ravensfield and Lily Lane primary schools marked the start of a turbulent seven-month period for the CLIC Trust schools, including damning Ofsted inspections, a headteacher's departure, and two significant interventions by the Department for Education (DfE).
Union and Staff Allegations
The union blamed leadership at both schools and the multi-academy trust running them, claiming that pupil-on-teacher and pupil-on-pupil assaults had 'grown to untenable levels.' Former staff member Conor Priestley, who taught at Lily Lane from September to December 2025, said, "A day didn't really go by where someone wasn't hit, kicked, punched, or chairs thrown." He added, "Talking about my school days, I realised my good days were 'oh I didn't get hit today' - which is ridiculous when you say it out loud."
Another teacher still working at the school reported witnessing "daily assaults on myself, colleagues and teaching assistants," including trips to A&E and attempted stabbings with pencils. At Ravensfield, union members said incidents of pupil aggression led to classroom lockdowns, with teachers speaking of a 'level of fear' and reports of being hit, kicked, spat on, and having objects thrown at them. One teacher said they had "no support" and found it "devastating" to resort to strike action, adding, "We want this to end now, so we can go back to school as a safe environment for everybody."
Trust Response and Regulatory Action
Changing Lives in Collaboration (CLIC), the trust running both schools, said the allegations 'did not reflect the day-to-day reality' and insisted it is heading in the right direction. The trust is said to be in talks with the union, with a meeting expected in September. In February, Ofsted conducted focused monitoring inspections at both schools and reported that both required 'significant improvement.' The DfE has since made significant interventions, with regional directors issuing termination warning notices to both schools, effectively putting the trust on notice.
Parents' Concerns and Wider Context
Parents of current and former pupils also expressed worries to the Manchester Evening News during the strikes. The article also covers other local stories, including a proposal for a 14-mile tunnel between Manchester and Sheffield to ease travel, and a government plan to devolve power to local leaders. Additionally, it features a family business in Whalley Range, Chicken Run, known for its 'chicken split' delicacy, selling at least 80 daily for over thirty years.
