Teachers strike back in Dudley

Teachers at Redhill School began a two-day strike on Tuesday of this week against plans to turn the school into an academy. The teachers are members of the NASUWT union.

The action this week followed a one-day walkout at the West Midlands school on Thursday of last week.

Teachers have strong support from parents. Around 70 people joined the picket line including parents and other supporters.

Parents have highlighted the dangers of the academy process and have tried to influence governors at the school.

But the governors and the headteacher decided to apply for academy status last November.

We were informed it was a very tight vote—10 for, eight against, one abstention and one governor absent who would have voted against the academy.

Clearly the fight is not over.

The Redhill concern group has sought to further influence governors before a final decision is made.

Four governor places are unfilled, two of which are for parent governors, and two parents are campaigning to fill these places on an anti-academy position.

We are seeking clarification to make sure that the head teacher is not bringing the decision forward before these places are filled.