Head speaks out over Rawmarsh Community School strike

UNDER-fire head teacher Dr Stuart Wilson has said that a combination of staff illness and strike action forced him to close his school this week.

UNDER-fire head teacher Dr Stuart Wilson has said that  a combination of staff illness and strike action forced him to close his school this week.

He confirmed that year ten and 11 students had been sent home for the day on Wednesday as 28 members of the NUT went on strike, rather than the expected 20. 

He said that it became impossible to maintain classes when combined with teachers on sick leave.

Referring to a planned meeting between himself and NUT officials scheduled for today he said: “The school has already lost a number of days because of the bad weather, and some year 11 students have exams, so I am pleased that the NUT has agreed to sit down and discuss the situation and I hope we find a solution as soon as possible.

“The loss of any member of staff is always regrettable but the reality of the situation here at Rawmarsh is about falling student numbers.

“The situation has been compounded by a deficit budget and the loss of a number of education grants.

“However, I am sure we all want the school to get though this difficult period without our students suffering any further loss to their education.”

Dorothy Smith, senior director of Schools and Lifelong Learning for Rotherham Borough Council, added that it was sad that the NUT had taken strike action before fully exhausting the negotiating process.

She added: “This is not in the best interests of the students, who obviously do not need any disruption to their education.”