Pencoedtre strikes: Parents want more discipline at school

Concerns have also been expressed about the number of supply teachers being used by the school.

In an insight into what it is like behind the gates of one of Barry’s biggest high schools, parents of pupils at the school say they want to see a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

Pencoedtre High has had 12 months of turmoil, including falling into special measures after a damning Estyn report and having teachers strike over pay and discipline procedures.

Strikes over what teachers describe as a lack of support in controlling unruly children came to a head on Wednesday, January 10, with a host of teachers stood outside the gates refusing to work until governing body Vale Council takes disciplining children more seriously.

This seems to be a view echoed by parents who are concerned about, among other things, tackling the scourge of bullying at the school and the number of supply teachers used.

The parents we spoke to, who do not want to be named, supported the strikes and wanted to see a stronger approach to discipline.

One parent said: “I don’t think the rules are sufficient. It should be zero tolerance. If you bully a teacher you are out, you are done.”

Another parent told us they had concerns about discipline, but also about the lack of regular staff in the school.

“Supply teachers is quite a regular thing at the moment,” said the parent. “When supply teachers come in the standard of teaching drops.”

Teachers on strike on Wednesday, Jan 10 (Image: Newsquest)

Teachers want more support from the Vale Council on disciplining pupils (Image: Newsquest)

• Watch our Facebook live as we were at the strike on Wednesday, clicking here

The parents did say there were good points about the school, including a good standard of regular teaching and good support offered for pupils who need extra help.

However, they questioned why is there such a problem, particularly at Pencoedtre?

A parent said: “What is the difference between this school and other schools? (It seems) other schools manage the rules better.”

Read more

• Where are we in the deadlock between the strikers and the school in the debacle surrounding Pencoedtre High?
• We were at the strike on Wednesday - see what teachers said, here

At the strikes on Wednesday, former teacher and NASUWT representative Neil Butler told us internal truancy in the school is rife, with pupils “prowling” the corridors in gangs.

Sharon Daly, executive member for the southeast of Wales at NASUWT, said physical assault would normally mean pupils are excluded and verbal abuse would result in pupils being sent home for the day – something she says is not happening at Pencoedtre.

Vale Council, which runs the school, said they are working with unions to update behaviour policy and student and teacher safety is their number one priority.

Sharon Daly, national exec NASUWT member for south Wales, told us basic discipline practices are not being followed at the school (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for the Vale Council said: “Both the council and school 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.

“Staff and pupil safety is of the highest importance and any incidents that impact this are taken extremely seriously.

“They are subject to robust investigation and accurate recording, with subsequent action taken in line with appropriate policies.

“All staff will undergo specialist, ongoing training.

Further strikes could take place on January 18, 24, 25, 31 and February 1.

Parents, pupils, teachers, what is going on at Pencoedtre High? Is there violence in the school? How will the proposed strike action affect you? Let us know emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.