Teachers at two primary schools in Greater Manchester have begun a nine-day strike, citing “almost daily” attacks by pupils. Members of the NASUWT union at Ravensfield and Lily Lane primary schools walked out this week, with action scheduled until 22 January, over what the union describes as a “culture of violence” involving increasing assaults on staff and other children.
NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack called the strike a “declaration of emergency,” accusing school and trust leaders of failing in their duty of care and intimidating staff who report concerns. The union claims the violence has made some pupils afraid to attend school.
At Lily Lane in Moston, teachers say they lack support to manage high levels of aggression and that concerns about pupils with complex special needs are ignored. Parents expressed surprise at the allegations, with one saying their child is happy at the school despite occasional fights.
NASUWT representatives Rachel Knight and Jac Casson blamed the Changing Lives in Collaboration (CLIC) Trust, which runs both schools, for “devastating” working conditions and failing to engage in good faith. CLIC chief executive Jo Ashcroft said the schools remain open and that safety is a top priority, but expressed disappointment that strike action was taken without adequate opportunity to respond.
