Strikes hit fifth day of teaching at Listerdale School

Parents of kids at Listerdale Primary School in Brecks were forced to make alternative arrangements after lessons were cancelled for Years 4 to 6 for the fifth time in two weeks.

A further day of action is planned tomorrow and more strikes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.

The ongoing battle, which has so far lasted almost three months, was sparked by the suspension of head Craig Roberts, with an investigation into “financial matters” still ongoing.

One mum said the dispute had left children “bewildered by this sudden change in their environment”.

The NUT, which represents Mr Roberts, said talks on Friday with ACAS had broken down because the trust “flatly refused” a proposal to reinstate suspended head Craig Roberts while the investigation into him continued.

A statement from the academy trust countered: “It was explained that the concerns which led to the suspension of the head teacher are considered sufficiently serious to warrant the suspension remaining in force until the independent investigation concludes.  

“The trust has no choice in this, it is the advice coming from legal, accounting and HR professionals.  

“The Investigating Officer and HR will work with the head teacher and his union Representative to discuss how to proceed with this as quickly as possible.”

See Friday's Advertiser for a special, in-depth report on the dispute.