Stalled talks result in support staff returning to the picket line, reports Pete Webster

Management intransigence over negotiations to resolve this dispute resulted in further strike action by teaching assistants and support staff at the Woodfield Special School in Brent that provides essential support to a wide range of pupils with special educational needs. This follows several other days of strike action in recent weeks.

They are facing cuts to jobs, hours and pay. These will affect the quality of learning and care for the children and the loss of experienced staff will result in less one-to-one support, therapeutic work and other interventions. The reduced cover will also make the school less safe for the pupils.

Talks stalled last week when the bosses refused to consider proposals by NEU reps that identified areas of over-spend that would cover any funding gaps.

The school is one of two managed by the Compass Learning Trust alongside another Brent school providing critical special needs to pupils. This hasn’t stopped the academy from employing four executives with the Chief Executive and Chief Finance officer on pay above £130000. The Trust also spends £48000 on offices located elsewhere and with a private company – Compass Futures that caters for 18-25 year-olds – being run on the side using some of the school budget including administrative staff on the Woodfield payroll. There are also several millions of pounds in reserves. A freedom of information request has been sent to Brent Council seeking to uncover these less than transparent arrangements.

In a tactic designed to undermine support for the workers, school bosses issued a letter to all parents denigrating the strike. In response, the union asked for help from Brent Trades Council and in solidarity several delegates helped to give out leaflets putting the union’s case on Monday and were well-received by parents.

In an impromptu picket-line branch meeting, NEU Joint Branch Secretary, Jenny, explained the impasse in talks despite union proposals that would cover any financial shortfalls. She said that, ‘The ball is in their court’ and when asked by management if the strike could be paused, she said, ‘Our mandate is our members who are standing outside and that they are prepared to carry on’.

Lucy, also NEU Joint Branch Secretary, added, ‘Parents know that you are fighting for their kids’ futures’.

If there are no concessions by the bosses soon, then further strike action will take place before the end of term.

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