The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Trade union officials have criticised Spalding Grammar School for making preparations for strike action by teachers.
The result of a formal ballot by members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) is expected shortly after it closes on Tuesday. (February 2)
The vote came after the school refused to implement a one per cent pay award. The NUT says it was recommended by the independent School Teachers’ Pay and Review Body (STPRB), a claim which headteacher Steven Wilkinson disputes.
The union said it believes that Spalding Grammar is the only school in Lincolnshire or the East Midlands to withhold this pay award across the board.
In a press release, the union said: “This is particularly shocking as teachers at the school have consistently achieved excellent results and outcomes for their pupils.”
NUT National Executive member and division secretary for Lincolnshire, Ken Rustidge, has had what he calls “a cordial meeting” with Mr Wilkinson and the NUT says it remains willing to meet with Mr Wilkinson and school governors to negotiate and resolve the dispute.
Meanwhile, the union says it has been made aware that the school has made moves to put some school trips and outdoor education held in term time on hold for pupils in anticipation of strike action.
Mr Rustidge said: “I am disappointed that such hard-working teachers in such a highly regarded school have not been given the government’s recommended paltry pay increase.
“Cancelling outside education experiences for Spalding Grammar pupils is as wrong as treating their teachers unfairly. I was dismayed to hear that the school is considering cancelling pupils outside visits in order to sit out a possible teachers strike.
“Everyone should now get round the table and negotiate for the benefit of all in this highly regarded school.”
Nick Raine, NUT regional officer, said: “Our members do not take action lightly and remain willing to negotiate a settlement.
“However, it appears to me that management at Spalding Grammar would rather see a strike go ahead than meet with the union. Fortunately this approach is rare in Lincolnshire and across the East Midlands but indicates that there are real concerns at Spalding Grammar.
“Letting a strike go ahead without negotiating is irresponsible. Failing to implement a one per cent cost of living increase for teachers is unfair and reprehensible. Mr Wilkinson and Governors cost of living increase for teachers is unfair and reprehensible. Mr Wilkinson and governors at Spalding Grammar need to treat teachers and pupils fairly to ensure that the school is successful in the future.”
When the ballot was announced earlier this month, Mr Wilkinson said the STRB report stated that it was is for schools to determine individual pay awards, taking account of performance and in line with school pay policies.
He said: “The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) 2015, and the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) 2015 report upon which its recommendations are based, does not place upon schools any requirement to increase the pay of all teachers by one per cent. Neither does it recommend it. The document does set out ranges within which teachers should be paid, and this school’s pay structure has been uplifted accordingly such that it matches with those new ranges.”
He added: “I would be delighted to be able to award the increase that the unions are requesting; however, in circumstances where per-pupil income is decreasing, due to cuts at a number of levels, it would be negligent of me, in the long-term interests of the school, to do so.”
In response to the NUT’s latest statement, Mr Wilkinson said: “I am disappointed that, once again, the NUT has chosen to release a press statement that is littered with claims which are wholly inaccurate and inflammatory.
“I have said previously that resolutions will be reached through negotiations held calmly and privately, and those are ongoing within the school. Neither I, nor any of my staff, have any desire to be drawn into a public war of words on what is an internal matter.”
