Teachers from two schools in Wales are set to go on strike due to concerns over the behaviour of their pupils. Members of the NASUWT union at Ysgol Nantgwyn in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Ysgol Nantgwyn in Pontypool feel that their employers are not addressing their worries seriously enough. The teachers will be gathering at the Senedd on Thursday, December 12, starting from 11am to protest against the inadequate handling of poor pupil behaviour. Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, expressed their frustration, stating that teachers should not have to endure violent and abusive behaviour from students. The union emphasised the need for a behaviour summit led by the Welsh Government to promote positive behaviour management in education across Wales.
Neil Butler, the National Official for Wales, highlighted the significant concerns raised by teachers at Nantgwyn and Abersychan regarding their employers failing in their duty of care. The union has been approached by educators seeking protection from verbal and physical abuse in the workplace, as their employers have not taken appropriate action. The call for a behaviour summit led by the Welsh Government aims to address the wider issue of learner behaviour crisis in schools. However, there is urgency for more concrete details on the summit to be provided promptly. The union stresses the importance of all stakeholders collaborating to establish a strong ethos of positive behaviour management in Welsh education.
In addition to the strike at Ysgol Nantgwyn and Ysgol Nantgwyn, there will be a separate strike at Lewis Girls School in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, on Wednesday, December 11. The teachers at Lewis Girls School are opposing the decision to close the school and merge it with Lewis Pengam School without adequate consideration for the impact on their workload, working conditions, and job security. Dr. Patrick Roach expressed concerns that the closure and merger process are not being conducted fairly, potentially leading to significant job losses and adverse changes for the teachers. The dispute is escalating as the union continues to fight against these decisions that could harm the school community.
The NASUWT union is actively advocating for the protection and support of teachers in Wales, urging a reevaluation of employer responsibilities in creating safe and conducive learning environments. The urgent need for intervention from the Welsh Government to address the behaviour crisis in schools has been reiterated by union officials. Teachers should not have to endure violence and abuse while carrying out their duties, and immediate action is required to safeguard their well-being. The solidarity shown by teachers in standing up against inadequate support and decisions impacting their work environment highlights the importance of prioritising educators’ welfare in the education system.
In response to the strikes and union concerns, the Welsh Government has been urged to expedite the behaviour summit to address the escalating issues of poor pupil behaviour and its impact on teachers’ welfare and workplace safety. The voices of teachers from various schools across Wales draw attention to the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and support from educational authorities to tackle behaviour challenges effectively. The union’s advocacy for positive behaviour management practices underscores the importance of creating a conducive learning environment for all stakeholders in the education sector. Moving forward, collaborative efforts are crucial to ensure the well-being and professional integrity of teachers while upholding standards of respect and discipline in schools across Wales.