Ipswich Westbourne teachers on strike over 'poor pupil behaviour'
The school, which has about 1,000 pupils, said that learning would be moved online for Years 7, 8 and 9 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
'Teach safely'
Explaining the reasons behind the strike action, the NASUWT said in a statement: "A large group of pupils at Westbourne Academy are refusing to attend lessons and instead choose to roam the school, disrupting other lessons and engaging in threatening behaviour towards staff and other pupils. "Teachers have sought help from school leadership but no plan has worked in practice, with teachers often waiting for most or all of their lessons for urgent assistance."It said its members at the school "just want to conduct their lessons in safety and peace". "They feel abandoned by school leaders and desperate for effective support."Members of the National Education Union have also taken strike action.In a statement, the academy trust said: Following Ofsted's visit in June 2024, which rated Westbourne as a good school overall, we have acted with pace and purpose to respond to their feedback regarding the behaviour of a minority of pupils. "This includes providing additional staffing and strengthening leadership. "We are currently planning out a new approach to manage pupil conduct and how pupils are organised within the school, which will start after half term. This is all aimed at creating a calmer, more focused environment for learning for all."It added the school was "committed to achieving lasting improvement while minimising any disruption to pupils".
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