STAFF who have kept Aylesford School in Warwick going “through thick and thin” are striking to save their jobs, say union chiefs.
Members of the National Education Union (NEU), who make up the majority of staff, were set to start six days of industrial action yesterday (Thursday), over planned redundancies.
The union says staff returned to the Shelley Avenue school after Easter to hear about about a restructure consultation including 11 redundancies – teachers of music, drama and PE among them.
NEU members are concerned the changes will make it harder to keep staff and students safe as more buildings reopen after being forced to close in 2023 following the discovery of asbestos.
The NEU has said Aylesford has claimed the redundancies were necessary due to falling student numbers.
Simon O’Hara, assistant branch secretary of Warwickshire NEU, said: “Our members are striking to save the future of Aylesford. This situation is a direct result of the employer’s actions. We cannot accept the managed decline of Aylesford and mass redundancies.
“Staff who have kept this school going through thick and thin in recent years should not pay with their jobs for the mismanagement by current and former leadership. Our members remain united that these cuts will damage Aylesford’s ability to provide a broad, balanced and rich curriculum for students.”
The NEU has earmarked further potential strike dates this month if an agreement cannot be found.
A spokesperson for Aylesford School added: “The school remains committed to stabilising its financial position and improving the quality of education for its pupils. While we recognise the dedication and commitment of staff, our priority is to secure the long-term future of the school and rebuild confidence within the community.
“We do not believe that industrial action will have a positive impact on pupils or the wider school community. We encourage the NEU and its members to engage constructively with us to reach a resolution and support the shared goal of school improvement.”
