Barry primary school teachers strike over health and safety

Teachers at Barry’s High Street Primary School will strike on September 22 and 23 <i>(Image: Google Maps)</i>
Teachers at Barry’s High Street Primary School will strike on September 22 and 23 (Image: Google Maps)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Teachers at a Barry school will walk out in a row over health and safety.

Staff at High Street Primary School, who are members of the National Education Union (NEU), will take strike action this week on September 22 and 23.

The dispute centres on what the union describes as inadequate support from the local authority in protecting staff wellbeing and workplace safety at the English-medium primary school.

Nicola Fitzpatrick, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, said: "NEU members are taking strike action due to a lack of support for their health, safety and wellbeing at work.

"Our members are not asking for anything unreasonable – to be properly protected at work so they can focus on the teaching and learning of the children at High Street Primary School.

"We remain committed to reaching a negotiated outcome but equally cannot stand by when they are facing an unsafe workplace."

The union said discussions have taken place between officials, school leadership and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and while some progress has been made, it remains "insufficient and staff are still working in an environment where they feel unsafe."

In a joint statement, the Vale of Glamorgan Council and High Street Primary School acknowledged the strike action and said they were taking the concerns seriously.

The statement said: "The council and High Street Primary School are aware that some staff may take strike action on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 of September.

"The wellbeing and safety of staff, pupils and the wider school community remain our utmost priority, and we are working with relevant trade unions and agencies to resolve the issues that have led to this situation."

An Estyn inspection report of High Street Primary School from July 2026 calls the school a "inclusive and nurturing community" that has a "strong commitment to inclusion, well-being and improving outcomes for all pupils."

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos