Ashby School operated a 'partial closure' on the first National Education Union's strike day.

But both Ashby School and Ivanhoe School heads warned of further action being taken next month.

Ashby School teacher Dr Jude Mellor said in a letter to parents: "We appreciate that some parents will find this partial closure frustrating. 

"The teaching profession is not unique in its proposed strike action over pay, with other public sector professions also taking similar action.

"We place an extremely high value on the quality and continuity of education we provide for our students, alongside valuing our highly skilled and experienced staff and their right for their voice to be heard.

"As you will know from the national press, this is the first of a series of strikes planned by the NEU. 

"Further dates proposed for our area are March 1 (East Midlands) and March 15-16 (national).

"However, negotiations may continue between the unions and government and this situation may change. 

"We may also find our approach to strike days may need to change over time and so we will update you again as we approach the next planned strike day at the start of March."

The school was able to allow some students in to lessons, but not others.

•   Year 7 students were asked to come into school as normal, and follow a normal timetable, though not always have their regular teacher. 

•   Year 10 & 11 students were told they were unable to come to school and should self-study at home.

•   Year 12 & 13 students were told to come to school as normal. They were to be taught in lessons where their teacher is present and should self-study in lessons where their teacher is not present.

•   Identified vulnerable students were invited into the school.

Ivanhoe School, Ashby de la Zouch

Ivanhoe School headteacher, Alison Allford, also highlighted further days of action next month.

Also in a letter to parents, she said: "I am writing to you with a further update about strike action by the National Education Union (NEU). The strikes are discontinuous and scheduled for 1 February, 1 March, and 15/16 March 2023.

"I have been corresponding with NEU representatives and taking external advice."

Again, Ivanhoe was able to operate a partial closure on Wednesday.

Mrs Allford added: "With a significant number of teachers at Ivanhoe being NEU members, the strike action on 1st Feb and on subsequent days will lead to a partial closure of our school.

"I have undertaken a risk assessment and we must prioritise the needs of vulnerable children and those on exam courses. "

Wednesday's first strike day saw students told to follow these attendance in instructions.

• Year 7 will attend as normal

• Year 10 will attend as normal

• Years 8 and 9 will did not attend and were set online learning via email

• Some students in Year 8 and 9 who are considered vulnerable will be invited to attend on strike day.

Mrs Allford added: "It is important to recognise that our teachers who are in the NEU are not in dispute with Ivanhoe School or our LiFE Multi-Academy Trust, but with the government.

"I would add that schools are facing real challenges over teacher recruitment and retention, which of course has a long term impact on the quality of education for our children."