Teachers go on strike at Newquay Tretherras

Teaching members of the National Education Union (NEU) at Newquay Tretherras have walked out on strike today, as part of two days of planned action.

The school is open to only three year groups.

Headteacher Ms G Harries stated yesterday that this equates to 55 teaching staff out of a total of 217 employees at Tretherras.

Speaking on the picket line this morning, NEU representative Sue Ollerenshaw said one of the reasons for the action is that break times are not being counted towards contracted annual hours. She praised Ms Harries, describing her as "absolutely tremendous" in trying to meet staff and "meet the points she can." (Listen to our interview at the picket line using the player below)

An NEU spokesperson said: "Sadly, there are no signs yet of any talks. The NEU stand ready to talk at any moment and to get a resolution, but until that happens the strike shows every sign of growing."

In a letter to parents on Tuesday afternoon, Ms Harries said:

"I would like to reassure you that 69% of National Education Union teaching members at Tretherras are considering this action and not the 92% of all staff as you may have read or heard. To give this some context, 69% of NEU members equates to 55 teaching staff out of a possible 217 staff here.

"Some of our teachers (quite rightly and like many across the country) have concerns about cuts to school budgets in real terms over recent years, which has put pressure on the education system nationally. The concerns our staff have raised replicate nationally and are not specific to Newquay Tretherras alone."

She apologised for the short notice, calling it "unavoidable," and stated that trust executive leaders have been open to meetings throughout the discussions. She added:

"However, NEU officers were only able to meet in the last few days of half-term. These negotiations resulted in positive outcomes and progress. However, the NEU have just informed me this morning that despite this, industrial action will commence."

Sue Ollerenshaw has rejected the claim that NEU officers were only available to meet in the last few days of half-term. She says she made it very clear that she was willing to work every day throughout her holiday if it meant resolving the dispute. She also says both she and NEU officers were available every single day since they paused planned action for 12th February.

Radio Newquay has invited the school to respond further.

PRESS PLAY to hear our conversation with NEU representative Sue Ollerenshaw...