Parents at the most strike-hit group of schools in London spoke of their relief on Tuesday after more looming walkouts were called off at the eleventh hour.
Children at the Prendergast group of schools in Lewisham have already lost 12 days of school to strikes in a row over the group becoming a multi academy trust, and more were planned for this week.
Campaigners said this is the equivalent of more than 300,000 hours across the 3,000 plus pupils affected.
This is in addition to the five days of action taken in national walkouts over pay.
But the Leathersellers’ Federation, which the schools are part of, said an agreement has now been reached and the new MAT will be launched in January.
The GMB and NEU unions have agreed to take no further industrial action.
Niru Ratnam, whose son is at Prendergast Ladywell School, said: “The mood of parents is overwhelmingly one of relief.
“I am really pleased the dispute is over.
“Like most other parents, the thought of continuing strikes after half-term was just unthinkably awful.”
He said the school recently sent parents an email warning there would be further strikes this week if talks failed, adding: “There was widespread mutiny and disbelief, even amongst parents who had been previously ambivalent. There was a huge kick-back - it created the most almighty storm.”
He said parents were also upset last week when the school finished early on Friday so the union could meet with teachers to discuss the deal.
Andy Rothery, Chair of the Governing Board of the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools, said: “We know that last half term was incredibly difficult for students and families and we will support students to catch up on missed learning.
“We are looking forward to working with parents, carers, students, staff and our wider community over the next few months to help shape our future local Multi-Academy Trust.
“We are very proud of the strong individual identities of our schools. We will remain the same schools, with the same leaders and the same culture.”
Under the deal, the new MAT will only employ unqualified teachers “in the same circumstances as permitted for maintained schools” and new staff will be employed in line with national terms and conditions. A committee has been set up for trade unions to discuss issues of strategic importance with the schools and a Lewisham councillor will be appointed to the board of the MAT “to strengthen the Federation’s place within the Lewisham Family of Schools.”
A spokeswoman for the NEU said: “Following ACAS talks NEU have voted to accept the outcome of those talks which include the federation becoming a MAT from January 2024 but also gives guarantees on working conditions for both new and existing staff - a significant issue for our members.”
