Flint High School’s ongoing teachers’ strike has left many parents worried about their children’s education. With the strike stretching on, parents have started to point fingers at the school governors and the local education authority, accusing them of failing their kids. In response, more than 100 parents are ready to make some noise with a protest scheduled for November 4.
At the heart of the issue are allegations of poor pupil behaviour and management “bullying,” according to the NEU teaching union, leading to disrupted learning as teachers walk out. Union reps say the staff have faced injury while intervening in pupil fights and endure verbal harassment, adding fuel to an already simmering situation. With no end in sight, further strikes are lined up right after half term.
For parents, this means more missed lessons and growing frustration. One parent echoed a common sentiment: “Our children have lost weeks of learning with no clear remedy. We are not placing blame on the teachers but on the lack of leadership from those meant to secure our kids’ education.” Making matters worse, the ongoing dispute has sparked debate over how much can be blamed on student behaviour, with many saying it lets those in power off the hook.
NEU Cymru has claimed that attempts to engage directly with Flint High’s governing body have fallen on deaf ears, casting doubt on any quick resolution. Contrarily, Flintshire County Council’s education director, Claire Homard, says numerous efforts have been made to engage with NEU officials to find a way forward, but results have yet to surface.
Parents are joining forces to demand that Flintshire County Council take immediate action to ensure their children’s right to education. The spokesman from NEU Cymru remains hopeful that the collective action by teachers and community support will eventually lead to a safer, more productive school environment.
The clock is ticking, and the impact of lost lessons is especially pressing for students in key exam years. Parents are standing firm, insisting that their voices be heard and calling on officials to prioritise the students’ learning and wellbeing. Stay tuned as this story unfolds!