Teachers at Gateway College take part in strike action

National Union of Teachers (NUT)  strike at Gateway

College, in Hamilton, Leicester, this morning

          About 30 teachers at Gateway Community College, in Hamilton, formed a picket line this
                                    morning as strike action got underway.

They were among about 60 teachers who work at the college and belong to Leicester’s branch of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) who decided to strike in a row over a classroom observation policy that is being imposed.

Teaching staff are observed in lessons as part of regular practice in all schools and colleges at least once a year and with prior notice.

However, union leaders say that management want to give only a day’s notice and have unlimited lesson observations.

Further strike action is planned on Thursday and over three days next week, unless an agreement can be reached.

One member on the picket line this morning, said: “Giving one day’s notice and not telling us which lesson will be observed is ridiculous. Senior management might only take one lesson in a day so they will know which one will be observed, but for those of us who take five, we’ll have no idea.

“It’s punitive action and rather than being a lesson in how to improve, it’s about collecting data. We know the only support teachers will get afterwards if they’re not up to scratch is another lesson observation, rather than constructive help.

“Every teacher is committed to being the best they can be, but we disagree with the way management are going about this.”

Another member said: “There is a general feeling that communication has broken down between management and the rest of the staff. Nothing is consulted on and policy changes are just brought in without notice. It’s adding to stress levels and more staff are now off with stress related issues. Some have even left.”

The college remained open with students able to go in if they wished today. However, most lessons couldn’t go ahead as usual.

Gateway Community College has around 150 staff, about 80 of which are teachers.

Speaking prior to the strike getting underway, Gateway College principal, Suzanne Overton-Edwards, said that she had attempted to avoid strike action.

She said: “For the sake of our students, the governors and curriculum managers, we need to know what the quality of our students’ experiences is in all lessons.

“Lesson observations are conducted as part of the quality assurance process to support our teachers. Gateway continually strives to improve for the benefit of our students, staff and communities. We’re working hard with the union for a resolution. Our focus is always on what is best for our students, therefore, during this period of industrial action the college will remain open to students.”