Industrial action means possible school closures for parents

Parents and carers are warned to check with their children’s school for possible closure, or partial closure, next Tuesday, 1 October, as the Teachers’ Unions have called on their members to strike.

As well as getting the latest updates from schools, parents are advised that information will also be published on the council’s website – www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schoolclosures.

The county council has asked schools and academies to report if they are having to close, or partially close, so as well as getting the latest from the school, the above website will be as up to date as possible. Any children using school transport will continue to receive it as normal if the school is unaffected.

Debbie Barnes, Director of Children’s Services, said “We have advised schools that if they will be without staff they have to consider whether they have adequate cover to ensure the safety of children. This will determine whether they should close for the day or not. Schools that are closing should be informing parents and carers as soon as possible so that they can make arrangements for their children.”

David O’Connor, Executive Director for Performance and Governance, added “Trade unions have balloted for industrial action in response to proposed national changes to pay and pensions. This is not a local dispute and is likely to affect many public services across the country. As a responsible authority, we have been making plans for this industrial action for many weeks and are working towards agreeing service exemptions with the trade unions to ensure vital life and limb services are maintained. Plans are also in place to minimise any disruption to other council services and we have asked managers to plan services around possible reduced staffing levels if some are taking leave to look after their children.”