A special needs primary school in North London has been forced to close its doors today, Wednesday 3 December 2025, due to a staff strike over what union members call "critical issues" with the quality of education.
School closure due to insufficient staffing
Woodlands School in Edgware, which caters for children with severe and complex learning difficulties, is shut because of "insufficient staffing". The strike action by members of the National Education Union (NEU) has left the Harrow Council-run school unable to operate safely.
The local authority stated the closure will "cause disruption for some of the most vulnerable children" in the borough. However, the NEU insists the walkout is "a necessary step" to ensure staff can ultimately provide the best possible education for their pupils.
Core issues behind the protracted dispute
The industrial action follows months of failed negotiations between the union and the school's leadership team. The dispute centres on concerns impacting both staff wellbeing and the quality of student education.
Key grievances highlighted by the NEU include:
- An unsustainable workload for staff.
- Inadequate arrangements for covering staff absences.
- The practice of moving staff away from the specific children they are assigned to support.
Harrow NEU Secretary, Alex Davies, said union representatives had engaged in "months of tireless negotiations" but claimed the school "has been unable to make us a suitable offer".
Council disappointment and further strike threat
Harrow Council expressed its disappointment that the strike is proceeding despite efforts to find a resolution. A council spokesperson confirmed they had been involved in regular discussions with the union, the school, and HR specialists to avoid disruption.
"We support the school on their decision to close for the day due to insufficient staffing," the spokesperson said. "Our shared priority remains to minimise the impact on children's education and wellbeing."
The NEU has warned that further strike dates are planned in the coming weeks if an acceptable agreement cannot be reached. Alex Davies added: "We want the school to settle the dispute as soon as possible."
The union stressed that staff deeply regret the disruption caused to students and their families but feel compelled to take this action to safeguard educational standards.
