Strike at Pencoedtre High School Barry over pupil behaviour?

Vale Council and Pencoedtre High have released a joint statement where they say they are “disappointed” by proposed strike action.

The council and school go on to say they are committed to "improving the provision to address the behaviour of a minority of pupils who have trauma-related issues.”

It is believed industrial action by the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) could be held as soon as January 10, with further strikes on January 18, 24, 25, 31 and February 1.

• Teachers confirm they will strike. See when, here

The news comes as Laura Anne Jones MS, representative of South Wales East at the Senedd, says she has raised concerns about “violent behaviour” in schools and says the Welsh Labour government is not doing enough to address the issue.

Last year, parents and teachers faced off in a make-or-break meeting as the school fell into special measures.

‘Minority of pupils who have trauma-related issues’

Vale Council and Pencoedtre High have released a joint statement saying they are committed to addressing the behaviour of a minority of pupils who have "trauma-related issues”.

“Both the council and school are disappointed by this strike action, which comes at a time when Year 11 pupils are sitting important examinations and Year 13 students are preparing for upcoming A-Level exams.

“We are fully aware of the issues affecting staff and are working with the NASUWT to resolve them.

“The work taking place has been discussed with the trade union in regular meetings and includes steps to improve the working environment and update the school’s behaviour policy.

 “All staff will undergo specialist, ongoing training, with a significant number involved in training this week.

“This professional development is designed to improve teaching and learning. It will also help create positive relationships with all pupils and is focused on addressing Estyn recommendations following the recent inspection.”

The statement went on to say: “The local authority, senior leaders and governors are committed to actioning the Post-Inspection Action Plan (PIAP).

“This includes improving the provision to address the behaviour of a minority of pupils who have trauma-related issues.”

The school is committed to addressing trauma-related issues (Image: Newsquest)

• Pencoedtre High crucial meeting with teachers and parents

Shadow Education Minister Jones said: “I have previously raised concerns about violent behaviour within schools which have been dismissed time and time again by the Labour Government.

 “As the education crisis in Wales worsens thanks to 25 years of Labour failures and cuts to education, with PISA results their worst on record and the attainment gap ever-growing, the last thing pupils need is further disruption due to strike action.”

Parents, pupils, teachers, what is going on at Pencoedtre High? Is there violence in the school? How will the proposed strike action affect you? Let us know emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.