Schools told they can call on volunteers to stay open as teachers vote for 7-day strike

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Schools have been told they can use volunteers to stay open after teachers voted in favor of a seven-day strike in a row by here in mid-March over pay.

Teachers in England and Wales have voted to strike for the next two months, fearing the walkouts could lead to a return to lessons online and at Covid style courses.

Nine out of 10 National Education Union (NEU) members voted for the action and the union won the 50% turnout required by law.

The NEU announced there would be a seven-day walkout by mid-March, but said any individual school would only be affected for four days.

The Department for Education (DfE) has released updated guidance for schools.

The guidance calls on headteachers to "take all reasonable steps to keep the school open to the fullest large number of pupils possible".

While the decision to open, restrict attendance or close academy schools rests with the academy trust, the DfE said it is generally delegated to the principal and that the decision for continued schools rests with the principal.

The latest guidelines stated: "It is best practice for principals to consult with governors, parents and the local authority, academy trust or diocesan representative (if applicable) before deciding to close.”

Heads of school have the right to ask staff if they intend to strike, the DfE added.

The first day of the strike will be February 1, when more than 23,000 schools E England and Wales are set to be affected, the NEU said.

The date is the same day as a "national day of action" which will see rallies across the country and a strike of 100,000 civil servants.

The union is also due to target the budget on March 15 in a bid to send a message to ministers. Teachers will also hold a rally in Westminster that day, he said.

In addition to the strike, the union has asked all of its members to write to their MP - and visit their offices - to advocate for a climate-proof pay rise. 'inflation.

Downing Street had called on the unions to call off any strikes.

No 10 said teachers should not strike and inflict "substantial damage" on children's education, especially after so many people missed school during the pandemic.

Earlier Mary Bousted, the leader of the NEU had predicted her members would vote for the strike, but said it was 'highly unlikely' action would take place during the exams .

Making the announcement, Mrs. Bousted and him...