DESPITE the proposed changes the situation at Pencoedtre High seems to be getting worse after not one, but two teachers' unions held a joint strike outside the school today, January 31.

The Barry and District was there with the teachers at what was certainly the biggest strike yet as both NEU Cymru and NASUWT joined forces to stage a walkout over staff fury at being "punchbags" for violent pupils.

When governing body Vale Council unveiled new executive head Innes Robinson they did so with a host of proposed changes including new assistant head teachers, additional support staff, increase in learning support assistants and a new gym manager.

However, from what was being said at the latest picket line, still not enough is being done to tackle teacher safety, behaviour problems and truancy at the school.

Barry And District News: Today's strike was the biggest yetToday's strike was the biggest yet (Image: Newsquest)

On the changes, Neil Butler of NASUWT said the school has a new broom - now teachers want to see it start sweeping.

Pencoedtre Maths teacher Mark Smith said he felt like he’d seen all this before and nothing had changed.

Senior Wales officer with the NEU Debbie Scott explained why her union had joined with the NASUWT in taking strike action.

“We held off because there had been discussions and we wanted to give a little time to see whether there would be any improvement," she said. "Unfortunately, nothing has changed for the members. They have seen no difference.”

One teacher put it in plain terms how staff are feeling saying: “We need to know we are safe. They (Vale Council) have long-term plans, we need something now.”

Despite the concerns, some teachers had positive words about the appointment of Mr Robinson.

One teacher told us: “Innes is an absolute breath of fresh air. He comes with hope and he has a proven record.”

While Mr Robinson might be regarded as the potential saviour of the school, Mr Adams was damning of senior management.

“The assistant heads have had no impact in truancy or bad behaviour,” said Mr Adams. “They have no ideas.”

Mr Adams told us he had been told to "f*** ***" by a pupil in the week for asking him to go to class, with little disciplining in response, while another teacher told us there were 166 truancy incidents at the school last week.

Mr Adams emphasised the need for consistency at Pencoedtre.

“We have had three executive heads in 18 months,” said Mr Adams. “We want consistency.”

Barry And District News: Teachers say they still do not feel supported in controlling unruly childrenTeachers say they still do not feel supported in controlling unruly children (Image: Newsquest)

Barry And District News: Despite the proposed changes, teachers say not enough is being done and it's going too slowDespite the proposed changes, teachers say not enough is being done and it's going too slow (Image: Newsquest)

What are the new plans set for Pencoedtre High school in Barry?

  • New executive head Innes Robinson;
  • Two new assistant headteachers have been recruited with a focus on pupil health and wellbeing, behaviour, and attendance;
  • Additional pupil support staff;
  • More youth workers present to assist at various times throughout the day and after school;
  • Family engagement officer and liaison and engagement officer have been employed;
  • New gym manager;
  • Increase in the number of learning support assistants at the school in corridors and communal areas.

Barry And District News: New exec head Innes Robinson was described by some teachers on the picket line as a breath of fresh airNew exec head Innes Robinson was described by some teachers on the picket line as a breath of fresh air (Image: Supplied)

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In the latest statement, Vale Council said Mr Robinson met with staff this week and will begin his new role shortly.

"Innes Robinson was recently appointed as executive headteacher and bolster an already strong Senior Leadership Team (SLT), with Leanne Pownall remaining as acting head of school, supported by chair of governors Karen Dellarmi and Vale Council director of learning and skills Paula Ham.

"His appointment comes alongside a raft of other changes to improve the experience of pupils and staff.

"In the longer term, the council will use Welsh Government funding to create a new permanent structure on the school site."

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