The guidance is aimed at employers, governing bodies, school leaders and staff in maintained schools and academies. It covers the main aspects relating to strikes in schools, including what the head teacher's obligations are in such events, who has responsibility for deciding whether or not to close the school and what actions the school can take to arrange appropriate cover.
It includes a number of case studies which provide useful examples of how schools have been able to minimise the disruption of industrial action and remain open. The guidance also explains the law relating to ballots, industrial action and pay, as well as the law on picketing.
You guidance can be found on the GOV.uk website.
In addition to making efforts to minimise disruption during strike days, schools should also be communicating with their staff in advance of any impending strike. It is good practice for schools to write to staff who intend to strike, confirming their rights and the position in respect of pay entitlement during this time as well as the impact of their strike. Writing to staff in this way is intended to encourage an open dialogue and may help to discourage and even stop staff from striking altogether.
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