TWO long-term supply staff at St Francis Church of England Primary School were dismissed after taking part in the National Education Union’s (NEU) latest strike, reports Warwick Mansell.

The move comes amid escalating tensions between Kernow Learning Multi Academy Trust and its staff over workload, communication and wellbeing concerns.

The teacher and her classroom teaching assistant had been covering a Year 3 class since January, standing in for staff on long-term sick leave. In a letter to parents on April 22, headteacher Adam Richards praised their work and noted that both would continue in their roles.

St Francis Church of England Primary School strike.
Picketers at St Francis Church of England Primary School (Submitted)

Yet on the day the NEU’s strike began, the teacher was contacted by her supply agency and told her contract was terminated immediately, without explanation or notice.

Her classroom teaching assistant, who is not believed to be a union member, was also dismissed. Requests for reasons went unanswered with both simply asked to return school equipment.

The NEU, which is into its fifth strike day today (July 15), said it is assessing the legality of what appears to be instantaneous dismissal of staff who have served over 12 weeks - beyond which supply teachers acquire employment protections under the 1996 Regulations.

St Francis C of E Primary School Strike 2
Residents young and old got involved in the strike (Submitted)

Senior regional organiser for the NEU, Sarah Allen, said: “The union is seeking legal advice on whether these dismissals contravene employment law.”

When presented with detailed questions on the dismissals, Kernow Learning replied: “We do not recognise the alleged issues you have raised… We will continue to engage with the union and all our staff to find a mutually satisfactory solution. We will not be commenting further in the media.”

St Francis C of E Primary School Strike.
Another 10 days of strikes have been called for September

The NEU have said that Kernow Learning has declined to meet, despite outreach at the end of last week’s strike days. Tomorrow (July 16) marks the final NEU strike day of the current term, but another 10 days have been called for September.

The union insists its action will continue until Kernow Learning addresses the core issues. Parents and staff alike are urging the trust to channel its efforts into resolving the dispute.