TEACHERS at a school in Barry are striking tomorrow, January 10, over what they describe as “urgent health and safety concerns”, including suffering verbal and physical abuse from pupils.

Yesterday, the Vale Council and Pencoedtre High released a statement saying they were disappointed at the strike action, but were fully aware of the issues.

Now, National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), has revealed what these issues are.

NASUWT say teachers at Pencoedtre School have suffered increasing verbal and physical abuse from a small number of pupils.

NASUWT said since September 2023 there have been more than 50 serious incidents of abuse at the school, with teachers fearing for their own safety and mental health, and for the wellbeing of pupils and support staff.

NASUWT members at Pencoedtre School are now in dispute with Vale of Glamorgan Council over what they claim is the governing body’s refusal to intervene and implement solutions.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT general secretary, said: “Vale of Glamorgan Council is failing in the most basic of statutory remits: to keep employees and children safe.

“The situation at Pencoedtre is a serious concern. Nobody should fear physical or verbal abuse at work or be expected to put up with it as ‘part of the job.’

“We should never ask teachers to work in classrooms where pupils are afraid of other pupils.

“No student can learn or progress in that environment. The council must move immediately to protect everyone at Pencoedtre.”

Neil Butler, NASUWT national official Wales, said: “Strikes are a last resort for Pencoedtre’s dedicated teachers.

“There are some pupils at the school whose complex needs can only be met at a specialist provision, but no places have been offered. This negligence is causing immense distress for everyone.

“School management is eager to resolve these issues and the executive headteacher has put forward a number of practical solutions but Vale of Glamorgan Council refuse to implement them within a safe and reasonable time frame.

“Their actions are likely to cause harm to the teachers, pupils and school staff under their duty of care.”

Barry And District News: NASUWT said since September 2023 there have been more than 50 serious incidents of abuse at the schoolNASUWT said since September 2023 there have been more than 50 serious incidents of abuse at the school (Image: Newsquest)

In a statement yesterday, Vale Council and the school said: “We are disappointed by this strike action, which comes at a time when Year 11 pupils are sitting important examinations and Year 13 students are preparing for upcoming A-Level exams.

“We are fully aware of the issues affecting staff and are working with the NASUWT to resolve them.

“The local authority, senior leaders and governors are committed to actioning the Post-Inspection Action Plan (PIAP).

“This includes improving the provision to address the behaviour of a minority of pupils who have trauma-related issues.”