A WREXHAM high school will partially open tomorrow after one teaching union called off planned strike action.
Darland High School in Rossett was due to be closed to al pupils on Tuesday, June 30 and Wednesday, July 1 as a result of industrial action by teaching unions the NEU and NASUWT.
The action meant there were not enough teachers available to safely open the school.
Now following the appointment of interim headteacher Sarah Hatch, NASUWT has called off strike action to give time for constructive talks with the school and Wrexham County Borough Council.
As a result of that decision tomorrow (Tuesday, June 30) Year 7 pupils will be allowed to attend school as normal to complete their Personal and Social Education Drop-Down day, including external workshops, to support resilience, mental health and social skills.
Teachers who are part of the NEU union will still be out on strike however, meaning there will not be enough staff to fully open the school. Pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 must therefore remain at home.
On Wednesday, July 1 the industrial action will mean the whole school will remain shut again as scheduled.
“A new interim headteacher has been put in place at the school and we have decided to postpone the strike action in order to give the head and the local authority time to engage with our dispute resolution requirements,” said Neil Butler, NASUWT Wales National Official.
“We have strike dates set for the new academic year and if progress has not been made we will take strike action then.”
This week’s strike action follows a one-day walk-out last week by members of both teaching unions – prompted by the dire state of the school’s finances.
Since Covid Darland has made significant financial losses and in just four years has built up the largest school deficit in Wrexham – £1.02 million.
That has led to a number of cuts to staff and, as staff numbers have reduced, reports of problems with pupil discipline and standards including some instances of truancy and aggressive behaviour.
In a letter sent out to parents today Miss Hatch says: “We appreciate that these arrangements may cause inconvenience for families and I would like to offer my sincere apologies for the disruption.
“Please be assured that we are working extremely hard to resolve the situation and to minimise the impact on our students’ education wherever possible.”
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, added: “I recognise the disruption that industrial action has caused for pupils, parents and carers.
“I welcome the ongoing constructive dialogue between all parties and will continue to support the school, governing body and teaching staff in working towards a positive resolution.
“Throughout this process, our priority must remain the wellbeing of all pupils and staff.”
