Schools are communicating directly with parents, carers, and pupils; so if you’re not sure whether you school will be closed or not, or have specific needs, please contact them directly for further information.
Despite the strike action, all Local Authority maintained schools have been urged to remain open for the most vulnerable children, including:
- Children who have Education, Health and Care Plans. (ECHP)
- Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Children Looked After (CLA)
- Child in Need (CIN)
- Children on Child Protection plans (sometimes called Young Person’s Safety Plans in Lambeth)
- Children on Free School Meals (FSM)
Cllr Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “We continue to call on the Government to get back round the table and work with the National Education Union to reach an agreement that prevents hundreds of thousands of hard-working teachers from being forced to take industrial action.
“Over the last decade, the Government has continued to fail to provide enough funding for Lambeth’s schools. At the same time, below-inflation pay increases have largely gone unfunded – increasing the pressure on school budgets and effectively meaning real-terms pay cuts for teachers.
“Lambeth Council is working closely with schools to identify the impact of this week’s planned strike by the National Education Union. Lambeth has also urged schools to prioritise the health and safety of children and encouraged them to stay open for vulnerable learners where it is safe and possible to do so.”
The decision to open, restrict attendance or close Local Authority maintained schools is for the head teacher at each individual school to decide. The Department for Education suggests the headteacher consult governors, parents and the Local Authority, academy trust or diocesan representative (where appropriate) before deciding whether to close.
For further information read the government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/handling-strike-action-in-schools
