THE sixth and final day of strike action this month took place at St Francis Church of England Primary School in Falmouth yesterday (Wednesday, July 16).

National Education Union (NEU) members emphasised that the action isn’t undertaken lightly. Their aim is to restore the thoughtful, coaching-style feedback they value, rather than endure the perfunctory observations many say fail to deliver meaningful development.

Staff are striking to reinstate vital pupil-well-being meetings and to ensure that classroom support assistants can meet individual needs. By striking, they hope to secure a safer, more supportive environment for every child.

Despite the grey and rainy weather on the day, spirits on the picket line remained unbowed. Two sturdy gazebos, donated and erected by community volunteers before dawn, provided shelter for staff, supporters, and parents calling for better classroom support, robust safeguarding measures, and a renewed focus on pupil wellbeing.

Local businessman Adam, owner of Aussie Smoker, pulled up just after the school had opened bearing steaming platters of pulled-pork rolls and vegetarian wraps. His generosity was met with cheers and grateful smiles.

Handing out food, he said: “These teachers give our children so much every day. Today, a little warmth and good food is the least we can offer in return.”

The strike’s momentum was palpable not only at the school gate but also online. The previous evening, over fifty colleagues from other schools, that are part of the Kernow Learning Multi-Academy Trust, joined a solidarity webcast hosted by St Francis representatives.

Participants shared their frustrations over a system that drives many teachers away because they feel isolated and unsupported. They swapped ideas for peer-to-peer coaching, and many have offered to become representatives in schools not yet represented.

NEU members recently voted unanimously for ten additional strike days in September, underlining the depth of feeling at the school.

One member said: “We remain ready to negotiate, and we hope that the Trust demonstrates real commitment to addressing our core concerns around support, safety, and well-being.”

The organisers are hopeful that this solid strike will prompt Kernow Learning to come back to the table and reach a settlement that protects both staff and pupils for the long term.