Hitchin school shows solidarity with striking teachers

More than a dozen families stood in solidarity with striking teachers in Hitchin.

The show of comradeship took place at Strathmore Infant and Nursery school in Hitchin on Tuesday (May 2).

The parents and carers wanted to show their support for the ongoing strike actions organised by National Education Union (NEU), during which thousands of educators across the country ask for better pay and improved work conditions.

"We could of course get frustrated with our children's teachers that they are missing out on lessons whilst we miss time of work too," explained Anni Sander, a Year 1 parent at the school. "However," she added: "we support their strike action 100 per cent and stand in solidarity with them.

"They deserve better and it's a shame that their work isn't appreciated enough by this government."

Hitchin school shows solidarity with striking teachers. CREDIT: Anni Sander

It was the fifth day of action, forcing some classes at schools like Strathmore to close.

Teachers have seen their pay fall by around 13 per cent - although some statistics report it is as much as 24 per cent - in real terms since 2010 and this, coupled with the significant underfunding of schools and support services meaning increases in workload, has meant many teachers saying enough is enough.  

Rachel Howes, headteacher of Strathmore Infant and Nursery School, says: "We are so thankful to our wonderful parents and carers who have supported our teachers by joining in solidarity at our school gates.

"It was lovely to see adults and children cheering for our staff and raising awareness of the challenges facing education despite the repeated disruption it has caused to their lives." 

As Nub News has previously reported teachers are leaving the profession in large numbers due to the demands being placed on them. Support for children from other professionals, including speech and language, educational psychologists is either non-existent or the waiting list is measured in years. In the meantime, teachers are having to pick up the pieces. 

Support staff are event leaving to go and work at the local supermarket for more pay, better hours and significantly less stress.  

Strathmore governors added that they: "Appreciate the solidarity protest of parents demonstrating their support for teachers in their action to secure the future of their profession." 

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