THE fourth consecutive day of strike action by National Education Union (NEU) members at St Francis Church of England Primary School in Falmouth took place yesterday (Monday, July 14).

Once again, teachers and support staff were joined on the picket line by parents, carers and local residents - underscoring community solidarity behind their demands.

On July 10, the union provided Kernow Learning Multi Academy Trust with a draft proposal outlining how agreement might be met. To date, no substantive response has been received.

A group of parents are demanding answers from the trust’s deputy CEO Matt Middlemore and CEO Clare Crowle. Parents voiced incredulity that many weeks since the dispute started, there is yet to be any significant movement on many issues.

Picketing staff were supported by volunteers who distributed leaflets to families. Leaflets explained how a lack of clear, two-way communication is a key issue of the dispute.

NEU members recently voted unanimously for at least ten additional strike dates in September. The union remains ready to meet at any time for a fair resolution that serves pupils, staff and the wider Falmouth community.

With the summer break approaching, pressure is mounting on both the trust and school leadership to break the impasse.