Members of staff at the school who are part of the NASUWT union voted for industrial action in response to ongoing disputes with the White Horse Federation, which runs the school. The union has said that teachers at Melksham Oak are concerned for the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their pupils after a series of decisions made by senior leadership have made it increasingly difficult for the teachers to do their jobs.
Mike Leigh, an executive member from the union, said, “Teachers at Melksham Oak do not want to take to the picket line but after many unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with management, they have no choice.
“There are serious issues at the school regarding communication between teachers and managers, health and safety, workload, and behaviour management. Teachers there feel anxious, overworked, and disempowered. A small number of pupils with challenging behaviour are creating an unsafe environment for others, and teachers are not supported by management to deal with them effectively.
“There needs to be real change at Melksham Oak, and it needs to happen fast. Teachers and pupils there deserve better.”
A spokesperson from The White Horse Federation said, “Despite our best efforts to come to a resolution, the NASUWT has confirmed that strike action will be going ahead on Wednesday 17th July and Thursday 18th July.
“We have listened to staff and worked hard to make changes to address their concerns. Considerable improvements have been made over the past year and Melksham Oak is now in a much stronger position. We are committed to continuing that journey of improvement and we are confident that we have the foundations in place to deliver what the community needs and expects.
“Whilst we of course respect the right of teachers to strike, this planned strike action is disappointing at this point in the school’s journey. We have a clear strategy to ensure Melksham Oak’s progress continues and any further concessions would hinder the important work we are doing to provide the best educational experience possible for Melksham Oak students.
“We respect the views of some staff and parents and understand their concerns. We would like to reassure them that we are fully committed to Melksham Oak’s success and are investing significant resources, both financial and in terms of expertise, to support the school.
“We have tried hard to minimise the impact on students of this strike action and school will be open to years 7, 9 and 12 on Wednesday 17th July, and years 8, 10 and 12 on Thursday 18th July. Online work will be set for those students not in school.”
Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said, “All employers have a duty of care towards their employees, and employees have a right to a safe working environment. When concerns are raised, they must be listened to and acted upon.
“Members at Melksham Oak Community School have brought a number of issues to the attention of their employer. There are matters to be urgently resolved regarding health and safety, workload, and ineffective policies on pupil behaviour.
“It is imperative that The White Horse Foundation takes these matters seriously, and comes to the table with NASUWT to find solutions.”
