THE second day of strike action by staff at St Francis Church of England Primary School, part of the Kernow Learning Multi Academy Trust, took place earlier today (Tuesday, July 8).

Despite grey skies, spirits were high as a large turnout of teachers, support staff and supporters gathered at the school gates to stand together for fair and supportive teaching practices.

Many members of the National Education Union from St Francis were joined by colleagues from other local schools, former staff members, parents and pupils clutching handmade banners.

The focus of today’s action was the one of the four demands - for the trust to adopt the NEU’s observation and drop-in model, which is improving professional dialogue in schools nationwide.

St Francis C of E Primary School Strike 2
Pupils, parents and teachers held banners aloft

The trust has made proposals to resolve this area of the dispute, but unfortunately, they would still allow for:

  • Unlimited drop-ins: The trust can conduct endless visits under the guise of informal drop-ins.
  • No enforceable cap: There’s nothing to stop daily or weekly feedback sessions.
  • No real teacher control: Teachers can recognise when observations are going to be detrimental to the needs of the children.
  • Support staff left exposed: Those teaching early reading, running interventions and fulfilling wider teaching and learning duties still face constant scrutiny.

A parent and NEU supporter said: “My two children attend St Francis, and I want their teachers to be motivated by trust and coaching, not intimidated by endless inspections.”

St Francis C of E Primary School Strike 3.
One of the banners on the picket line

Leaflets produced by NEU members explain how these issues would continue to have a detrimental effect on staff and pupils. Staff are asking for enforceable limits on scrutiny that help, rather than hinder, professional development and wellbeing.

Another NEU member said: “Our message is simple: reasonable, evidence-based observation practices aren’t just good for education staff - they’re good for children. We must not forget the human cost of all this; exactly what we see at the school at the moment.”

Another strike takes place tomorrow (July 9) as NEU members remain hopeful of a swift, positive resolution.