Littlehampton academy strike action ‘suspended’

Protests were due to take place yesterday (Wednesday, April 24) and today at the site, in Fitzalan Road, over teachers’ mounting concerns with the working conditions and monitoring at the school.

Last week saw serious disruption was caused at the academy, as around a third of the school’s 123 teachers took part in the action, called by both the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the NASUWT union, which together represent around 75 per cent of teachers at the institution.

However, on Tuesday, a spokeswoman for the NASUWT confirmed that all proposed strike action had been suspended and that talks were due to be held at the school tomorrow (Friday).

She added that the academy’s principal, Steve Jewell, as a sign of goodwill, had agreed to cease the controversial monitoring regime at the school for a “reasonable period” while discussions take place.

Maggie Bremner, south east regional organiser of the NASUWT, said: “Teachers are very happy with the results following last week’s strikes. They’re glad to see that there is some movement taking place – they’re quite jubilant, actually.

“I know that both sides want to get things resolved as quickly as possible. As a sign of goodwill, the principal has agreed to suspend the observations which had been causing the problems for a reasonable length of time while we sort everything out.”

Last week, teachers claimed that the school employed Big Brother-style tactics, with some staff facing around 40 observations every year – far more than the Government’s baseline figure of just three.

However, Mr Jewell said he was surprised by this, noting the school had undertaken its own study into monitoring levels between September, last year, and April and discovered that the teachers, on average, only faced around six inspections per annum.

Speaking to the Gazette following last Wednesday’s strikes, David Thomas, secretary for the West Sussex wing of the NUT, said: “The overall feeling from staff was one of optimism and certainty. Most definitely they feel that they had made the correct choice in the decision to strike.”

He added: “Yes, it caused disruption for some students in the short-term, which is regrettable. However, the long-term positive benefits on the future quality of education, which we feel would improve if our concerns are listened to, far outweigh these.”

The academy is advising parents to monitor its website or call 01903 711120.