Teachers at two primary schools in Greater Manchester have walked out on strike, declaring a state of emergency over what their union describes as a pervasive 'culture of violence' from pupils.
A 'Declaration of Emergency' Over Safety
Members of the NASUWT teaching union at Ravensfield and Lily Lane primary schools have begun a significant nine-day stoppage, which started this week and is scheduled to run until 22 January. The industrial action is a direct response to what staff report as 'almost daily' physical attacks by pupils against both teachers and other children.
Matt Wrack, the NASUWT’s general secretary, stated unequivocally that the strike action represents a 'declaration of emergency' from the educators. He accused school and trust leaders of a fundamental failure in their duty of care, even alleging that staff who raised concerns faced intimidation and punishment. "This cannot continue," Wrack asserted.
Parents Left Bewildered by Allegations
The union claims the level of aggression has left some children too frightened to attend school. Despite the strikes, both schools have remained open this week, leaving many parents confused and concerned by the serious allegations now in the public domain.
Outside Lily Lane Primary in Moston, one parent told reporters they had been completely unaware of any severe issues until news of the strike broke. Another, who wished to remain anonymous, said their child was happy at the school and while they had heard of occasional fights, nothing matched the scale of the reported violence. "We didn't know that was happening and we hope it gets sorted out," the parent said.
Teachers at Lily Lane specifically reported feeling unsupported in managing high levels of aggression and claimed concerns about pupils with complex special educational needs were being ignored.
Trust and Union in Stalemate
Rachel Knight and Jac Casson, NASUWT’s national representatives for Greater Manchester, placed responsibility for the 'devastating' working conditions squarely on the schools' academy trust. They stated that the Changing Lives in Collaboration (CLIC) Trust had failed to engage meaningfully for a month since being notified of the strike action.
"Our teachers have taken the brave and necessary step of saying: no more," the representatives said.
In response, Jo Ashcroft, CLIC’s chief executive, emphasised that pupil and staff safety was its 'very highest priority' and that it worked to maintain the highest safeguarding standards. While respecting the right to strike, Ashcroft expressed disappointment that the action was proceeding 'so soon after the ballot without adequate opportunity to respond to members’ concerns.'
The dispute highlights growing tensions over pupil behaviour, staff welfare, and leadership accountability in schools across England, with this strike action serving as a stark focal point.
