WHAT now for Pencoedtre High, and will the strikes get worse after the executive headteacher, described as the “voice of reason” in the dispute between the teachers and the governing body, left her role?
Debra Thomas was assigned as executive head of Pencoedtre when it fell into special measures after a dismal Estyn report which highlighted concern about internal truancy at the school.
Ms Thomas came in to replace former head Lee Humphreys, who raised eyebrows by running two chip shops with his wife, Sam, on top of his job at the school.
It will be a blow to the school and governing body Vale of Glamorgan Council as they work to resolve the issues with NASUWT.
Teachers at the school went on strike on Wednesday, January 10, over lack of support disciplining children.
NASUWT rep Sharon Daly said not enough was being done to help discipline children who are verbally and in some cases physically attacking teachers.
Further strikes are set for tomorrow, January 18, and January 24, 25, 31, and February 1.
While the council was hoping the strike tomorrow wouldn't go ahead, NASUWT has confirmed teachers will be holding a picket line in the morning.
The council was hopeful action could be avoided to prevent further disruption to pupils, however, we understand this is not the case.
The council has now explained what will happen tomorrow, with strikes in affect.
A council spokesperson said: “The school will be open on to a small group of learners with specific needs, for Year 11 study support in the morning and sixth form lessons where staff are available.”
'If you bully a teacher you are out. You are done'
Parents and teachers of one of Barry’s biggest high schools said more needs to be done to tackle ill discipline.
Barry’s Pencoedtre High School was heavily criticised following an Estyn inspection last year, which found pupil attendance a “significant concern” and leaders “lacking comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting attendance”.
We questioned whether, if staff are being used as “punch bags”, which some media outlets were reporting, is it enough to “update behaviour policies” and introduce “further training” to tackle the issues at the school?
Sharon Daly, speaking on behalf of teachers at a picket line outside the school on January 10, 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
One parent who wanted to remain anonymous, 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.”
In its latest statement Vale Council said it is working to resolve the issue with the teachers.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We are fully aware of the issues affecting staff and are working with the NASUWT to resolve them.
“The work taking place has been discussed with the trade union in regular meetings and includes steps to improve the working environment and update the school’s behaviour policy.”
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.
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