School closed as staff strike over safety concerns

A school for children at risk of exclusion has been closed for the day, after teachers went on strike over pay, rest breaks and safety.

The National Education Union (NEU) said its members at Learning Partnership West in Bedminster worked with some of Bristol's most vulnerable children, and were "worried for their safety".

Bristol NEU Branch and district secretary, Tom Bolton said: "LPW students deserve the absolute best" but were currently "educated in a small building on an industrial estate with no access to green space".

Staff plan to strike for a further five days in June. Learning Partnership West (LPW) declined to comment.

LPW Independent School has capacity for 50 pupils who are struggling to engage with mainstream education, with the school website stating: "We pride ourselves… on having a supportive team of trusted staff."

But the NEU said not all staff are treated equally at the school, saying some are not entitled to paid rest periods.

The union has also criticised what it called "the absence of a clear, published pay policy" and said staff had requested the installation of a metal detector due to compromised safety and the school's main entrance.

"The current state of the school building is no longer fit for purpose," the union added.

Bolton said LPW was a "last chance at an education" for many students and staff at the school "need to be paid and supported fully by both the employer and the wider education system in Bristol".

"LPW students are our most vulnerable and traumatised children, and it is the responsibility of the city to ensure they are supported to thrive," he added.

Further strike days are planned on 10, 16, 17 and 18 June.

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