Teachers strike over 'bullying'

Union says members 'deserve dignity' in workplace

- By OWEN HUGHES

A HIGH school in North Wales will close today due to strike action - amid claims of bullying that the council says were "not upheld". Members of the National Education Union (NEU) are taking action at Flint High School.

The union made claims over "bullying" by the headteacher and a failure to tackle what it described as "high levels of behavioural issues" at the school. The union claimed the "health, safety and wellbeing of the staff and pupils continue to be compromised".

The school's headteacher Claire Millington told parents "unfortunately" the action would mean the school would have to close that day.

She warned of five other potential strike dates this month. She added they would engage "proactively and constructively" with the union to try to reach a resolution.

Flintshire Council said that grievances raised in relation to allegations of bullying were investigated but not upheld. They added that the school has also undertaken a "thorough review of its pastoral systems and behaviour management policies" and new initiatives have been put in place.

The headteacher has been approached via the school for comment.