SCHOOLS across Dorset face major disruption tomorrow with teachers set to strike across the county.

The National Union of Teachers has called for strike action and schools in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester will be forced to close or see classes disrupted.

Thomas Hardye School, Wey Valley School, Budmouth College, IPACA and All Saints School will be partially closed while some primaries will be closed completely.

Last week, Dorset County Council said it was working with schools to ensure as many pupils as possible can attend lessons, and it urged schools to stay open where possible. At the weekend, its website stated there was no disruption to any school.

However, notices on several school websites, including letters from headteachers to parents, state that schools will have to be closed due to a lack of staff.

The strike centres on a row over pay and conditions, but also school funding.

According to their websites, schools which will be closed include Wyke Regis Primary and Wyke Regis Infant School, Conifers School, Dorchester Middle School and St George’s Primary.

In a statement, the NUT said that the “majority” of schools in Dorset will be affected. The NUT said it has 2,500 members in Dorset.

NUT regional secretary for the South West, Andy Woolley, said: “Teachers go into the profession to make a difference to children’s lives and to develop in them a love of learning. No teacher takes strike action lightly. Inadequate levels of funding, however, are having a negative effect on both children and teachers that cannot go unaddressed.

“According to the respected Institute of Fiscal Studies, schools are facing the worst funding cuts since the 1970s. This is impacting heavily on the choices and decisions that headteachers in Dorset and around the country have to make.

“We are already seeing an increase in class sizes, a reduction in subject choices for children, especially in the Arts, less materials and books in classrooms and cuts to school trips. Teachers and support staff are being cut or not replaced meaning less individual attention for children.

“On top of the funding cuts, the break-up of the national system of terms and conditions for teachers is a complete distraction for headteachers. Instead of focusing on teaching and learning they will have to spend huge amounts of time negotiating teacher contracts.”

“Schools need funding to a level where every child is guaranteed an education they deserve, and are taught by qualified teachers that schools can afford to employ. Academies should have regard to national terms and conditions for teachers. Parents, children, teachers and the general public expect this of our education system. This should be within every government’s grasp to guarantee. We urge (Education Secretary) Nicky Morgan to listen”.

SEVERAL schools have issued notices on their websites stating whether they will be open or closed as a result of the strike. 

Deborah Croney, Dorset County Council's Cabinet member for learning and skills, said: “We are encouraging schools to stay open, where it is feasible and poses no risk to pupils as a result. However, the final decision as to whether a school remains open, closed or partially closed lies with the headteacher and the chair of governors'.

“All schools have been asked to give parents, pupils and school transport providers as much notice as possible.”

Partially closed:

Thomas Hardye School: Closed to year nine & year ten, sixth form students required to attend with lessons to continue “as far as possible.”

Wey Valley School: Closed to years seven, eight and nine. Year 10 students to attend in the morning for their exams and will be sent home at around 12.45pm

Budmouth College: Closed to years seven, eight, nine and 10, open for sixth form students

IPACA: Royal Manor and Southwell campuses closed, Osprey Quay partially open.

All Saints School: Closed to years eight and nine, open to years seven and 10 only.

Other schools that will be partially closed: Beechcroft St Pauls; Bere Regis School; Broadwindsor Primary School; Dorchester Learning Centre; Mountjoy School.

Closed to all pupils:

Wyke Regis Infant School and Wyke Regis Primary School; Conifers Primary School; Dorchester Middle School; St George’s, Portland; Damers First School.

Open:

Bincombe Valley Primary School; St Mary’s, Bridport; Cheselbourne Village School; Loders Primary School; St John’s Primary School; Beaminster School; Bovington Primary School; Broadmayne First School; Buckland Newton School; Cerne Abbas First School; Holy Trinity Primary School; Lulworth and Winfrith Primary School; Maiden Newton Primary School; Manor Park First School; Parrett and Axe Primary School; Powerstock Primary School; Radipole Primary School; Portesham Primary School; Salway Ash Primary School; Southill Primary School; Thorner's Primary School; Westfield Arts College