Parents in Liverpool have been written to ahead of a round of strike action by teachers, starting next week.
Hundreds of thousands of teachers across England and Wales will walk-out on several days in February and March unless the government and the National Education Union reach a late agreement over pay.
The strikes mean the vast majority of schools in the country could close or partially close on multiple days through a combination of national and regional walk-outs.
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In Liverpool, the city council's director of children's services, Steve Reddy has written to parents and carers ahead of the first day of strike action next week.
In his letter, Mr Reddy said: "Following recent ballots by teacher unions, I am writing to inform you the National Education Union (NEU) intend to carry out industrial action over the national pay offer to teachers.
"Members of the NEU intend to strike over a number of days in coming months. The union have stated their intent for 3 days of national strike, along with an additional day’s strike regionally."
He said that for Liverpool schools, this means intended strike action is due to take place on the following days:
1st February 2023
28th February 2023
15th March 2023
16th March 2023
He added: "The nature of this action will impact each school differently, and they will need to conduct their own risk assessment to determine whether they are able to open, partially open or remain closed on the above days. Schools will communicate directly with families if they are due to remain open, partially open or closed on each of the strike days.
"Whilst I understand this action may cause difficulties for some families, I would like to recognise the hard work and commitment teachers and school staff constantly show to the children of our city and any decision will not be taken lightly. The commitment of teachers to your children remains as high as ever."
Speaking about how the strike action will affect schools, the Department for Education (DfE) said on its Education Hub blog: “In the event of strike action at a school, the school leaders or local authority that manages the school will take all reasonable steps to keep the school open for as many pupils as possible.” It has published guidance in order to “minimise disruption to children and families”.
“In some schools there may be little or no impact from strike action but in others it may mean that changes are made to the way they operate.
“For example, lessons might be taught by other members of staff or classes might be brought together. If large numbers of staff strike, schools may need to restrict attendance for some pupils.”
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