'The government is failing our schools, just as it is failing our NHS'

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"Teachers don't want to strike - but the government is so far unwilling to talk directly about pay and funding," says the Joint General Secretary of the NEU, Kevin Courtney

Teachers last participated in a major strike in 2016 (

Image: Getty Images)

Our schools are facing a crisis because of the difficulties in attracting and retaining the teaching and support staff that children need.

Special Needs Support Assistants leave their jobs for better paying work elsewhere.

Many subject lessons are taught by teachers who do not have a qualification in the subject - GCSE chemistry taught from textbooks rather than an inspirational teacher, for example.

And when the government gives a pay rise, it often doesn't give schools the money to pay them, leading to increased class sizes and job cuts.

That's why National Education Union (NEU) teachers voted to strike, joining nurses, paramedics and other workers taking a stand on wages and services.

NEU Joint Secretary General Kevin Courtney (

Picture:

Light Rocket via Getty Images)

Teachers don't want to strike, but the government isn't even willing to talk directly about pay and funding right now.

Instead, Rishi Sunak speaks of introducing a "minimum level of service" to undermine the right to strike.

Rishi, what about guaranteeing minimum service on non-strike days?

Why not ensure children with special needs get the help they need or that your children learn all subjects from a qualified teacher?

That's why they have to talk to us. This government is failing our schools, just like it is failing our NHS.

We know that strikes will disrupt parents' lives and children's learning.

We would rather avoid this, but the government needs to change course - and we hope the readers of the Daily Mirror can help us do that.

We would like you to sign our petition, supporting our schools and urging the government to come to the table. Subscribe to

After all, you can't have a growing economy without schools that can educate the next generation, or hospitals that can keep our loved ones healthy.

Let's unite to save our schools."