education secretary In a letter to union leaders, teachers have been asked to inform schools if they plan to strike next week.
National Education Union is planning a seven-day strike action England And walesWith a walkout by employees of universities, train drivers and 100,000 civil servants on 1st February.
According to the association, around 23,000 schools may be affected.
In a letter sent to union chiefs on Friday by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, she said asking staff to inform headmasters of their intention to walk out would help avoid “unnecessary disruption”.
She wrote: “I am so grateful for all the work school leaders and teachers are doing to keep schools open next week.
“The resilience your members have shown is vital in minimizing disruption to children’s education.
“I recognize that many headteachers are facing difficult decisions about what is possible in their school under these complex circumstances.
“I know they are doing everything they can to keep their schools open and protect children’s education, particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils, children of key workers and those taking exams later this year “
“I understand the importance of retaining teachers’ right to strike, but I hope this important right can be protected while minimizing the impact on children, especially given the disruption they face due to COVID is lying, in reference to that.
“With this in mind, I am calling on the National Education Union to encourage its members to alert their headmasters if they intend to take strike action on Wednesday.
“Doing so will allow principals to make important operational decisions to protect children’s education.
“You will be aware that there is no obligation for your members to alert their headmasters, and they may not be required to do so, but your co-operation will help to ensure that our dispute does not cause additional and unnecessary disruption.” Don’t give birth.”
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Ms Keegan said: “I am disappointed that the NEU is taking action despite our continued engagement.
“I have written to teachers unions asking their members to inform schools if they intend to go on strike.
“Not notifying school leaders means that our principals will be less able to reduce disruption to children’s learning.
“I hope union members will help us keep our schools open.”
Union officials are set to meet Ms Keegan on Monday for further talks, which the NEU has described as a “last chance” to avoid Wednesday’s strike action.
We are meeting Gillian Keegan with all the education associations on Monday at 2pm. This is the last chance to postpone the strike on Wednesday
Kevin Courtney, NEU
Kevin CourtneyThe joint general secretary of the NEU accused the education secretary of trying to score “cheap political points”.
“We along with all the education unions are meeting Gillian Keegan on Monday at 2pm. This is our last chance to postpone the strike on Wednesday.
“What is this Secretary of State Should pay attention. However on Friday the Department for Education failed to meet a deadline to submit its evidence to the School Teachers’ Review Body.
“Instead at one minute to five she sends her letter to score a cheap political point.
“We hope that the Secretary of State will come up with concrete proposals to end this dispute and avoid strike action.”
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Ms Keegan said Monday’s meeting would “continue the constructive discussions we have had in recent weeks”.
“I’m optimistic that we’re moving toward finding common ground.”