Members of the National Education Union (NEU) say their week of strike action at a Harrogate school was well attended but warned there is still a mandate for possible further stoppages.

Staff walked out for four days this week in response to their continuing concerns over what they say are “unsafe working conditions, staffing levels, and the use of support assistants to cover the teaching of classes”.

The strike follows a prolonged period during which staff have raised worries about the safety and sustainability of working practices within Springwater Academy in Starbeck, a “vibrant" special needs (SEN) school catering for students aged 2-19 years old.

Speaking on the final day of the strike, today, Thursday, Gary McVeigh-Kaye, Branch & District Secretary of the NEU North Yorkshire, said: "The picket lines were excellent.

Members of the National Education Union (NEU) say their week of strike action at Harrogate's Springwater Academy was well attended. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Members of the National Education Union (NEU) say their week of strike action at Harrogate's Springwater Academy was well attended. (Picture contributed)

"They were well attended on all days and there was a great deal of public support from both pedestrians and passing motorists.

"The NEU is proud of the solidarity and strength shown by members at Springwater Academy and we genuinely hope that, once our hardworking and dedicated members have recharged their batteries in the summer break, they can take their renewed energy into the classroom and not onto further picket lines.”

Last year saw the completion of an expansion at the school, in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, which included a range of new and improved facilities.

The major project involved the redevelopment of two nearby buildings to create modern and inclusive spaces to better meet the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Picket lines at Harrogate school - The National Education Union says "there was a great deal of public support for the strike from both pedestrians and passing motorists." (Picture contributed)

The union had been engaged in discussions with Ascent Academies Trust, which runs Springwater Academy, in an effort to resolve the dispute over what the NEU say is “inadequate staffing” but there had been previous periods of strike action.

The NEU is warning that it has a mandate for further stoppages and will consider a further programme of strike action if the trust does not address the issues of staff wellbeing.

Gary McVeigh-Kaye said: “Our members want to be in their classrooms in September, working with the young people they teach, but our members cannot be at their most effective if their working conditions induce stress."