Melksham Oak teachers stage two-day strike over ‘poor management'

Staff at Melksham Oak Community School staged the walkout on Wednesday morning saying they are not being supported by management.

They have raised several health & safety and workload issues, as well as problems with the behaviour management of pupils.

It is not known how many members of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers are taking part in the strike action.

Dr Patrick Roach, the NASUWT general secretary, said: “There are matters to be urgently resolved regarding health and safety, workload, and ineffective policies on pupil behaviour.

“It is imperative that The White Horse Foundation takes these matters seriously."

Teachers are staging a two-day strike at Melksham Oak Community School. Trevor Porter 70422-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

A spokesperson for the Swindon-based multi-academy trust, the White Horse Federation, which runs Melksham Oak, said: “Despite our best efforts to come to a resolution, the NASUWT has confirmed that strike action will be going ahead on Wednesday 17 July and Thursday 18 July.

“We have listened to staff and worked hard to make changes to address their concerns.

“Considerable improvements have been made over the past year and Melksham Oak is now in a much stronger position.

“We are committed to continuing that journey of improvement and we are confident that we have the foundations in place to deliver what the community needs and expects.

“Whilst we of course respect the right of teachers to strike, this planned strike action is disappointing at this point in the school’s journey.

“We have a clear strategy to ensure Melksham Oak’s progress continues and any further concessions would hinder the important work we are doing to provide the best educational experience possible for Melksham Oak students. 

“We respect the views of some staff and parents and understand their concerns. We would like to reassure them that we are fully committed to Melksham Oak’s success and are investing significant resources, both financial and in terms of expertise, to support the school.

“We have tried hard to minimise the impact on students of this strike action and school will be open to years 7, 9 and 12 on Wednesday 17th July, and years 8, 10 and 12 on Thursday 18th July. Online work will be set for those students not in school.”

Melksham Oak Community School has experienced pupil disciplinary issues and staff shortages over the past year. In April, its board of governors were all dismissed and replaced by a smaller board.

Melksham Oak welcomes a new executive headteacher in September after principal Haris Hussain was promoted to another leadership role within the WHF. Devizes School head David Cooper will take over both schools.

Melksham & Devizes MP Brian Mathew said: “It is always regrettable when a situation reaches the stage of industrial action, and I am concerned about the impact on students at the school.

 “I have spoken to the NASUWT Executive Member, Mike Leigh about the union’s perspective, and I fully appreciate the issues that staff at the school have faced.   I want to do what I can to see how these issues can be addressed.

 “I met with the incoming Executive Headteacher in May and look forward to continuing to liaise with him when he takes up his post in September. 

 “When it comes to our children’s future, it’s vital that we all work together to find a way through the current difficulties, and I very much hope that September will bring a fresh start.   As the local MP, I want to do everything I can to help.”