Orchard School Strike For Safe Staffing

Teachers and support staff at The Orchard School in Oldbury took strike action on Tuesday 2nd June. We heard how the primary school for students with complex needs has seen class sizes grow by up to 50% in recent months to the point where there is no longer enough room to fit them in the classrooms. 

This is placing the safety of staff and students at severe risk, and leading to burnout. All five teachers who started in September are due to leave by the summer break! 

The action by NASUWT and GMB members was rock solid, closing the school for the day. Dozens of workers gathered outside the Sandwell Council HQ, with plans to return if management don't engage.