Staff at Moulsecoomb Primary School who are members of the NEU, GMB and UNISON took part in the strike, operating a rotating picket line at the school gates in groups of six to meet Covid rules. Dozens of colourful banners and signs were on display with words of support and solidarity for the school emblazoned on them. There were also messages to academy sponsors to keep their hands off 'our school'. Other Brighton schools added their support to the Hands Off Moulsecoomb Primary campaign by posting pictures on social media.
The unions say the strike follows a recent announcement by the Department for Education that three new academy sponsors are being considered. Unions believe that the Regional Schools Commission is poised to make a decision at a meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, March 25) in a move they say is 'against the wishes of the local community, the school and its staff'. More strike action has been planned but will not go ahead if the three academy trusts withdraw from the process, campaigners said.
See a selection of pictures from the strike below. Read more on the campaign against the plans and the strike action here Picket line outside Moulsecoomb Primary School as staff strike
1. Hands off our school
Banners with words of support for Moulsecoomb Primary School
2. Supporting the school
Parents and pupils have been supporting the campaign
3. Sending a loud message
Making some noise during the strike at Moulsecoomb Primary School
4. No to academy plan
Standing up for Moulsecoomb Primary School