SOME schools across Wrexham and Flintshire are set to close on February 1 due to strikes over pay.

Nine out of 10 teacher members of the National Education Union (NEU) voted in favour of industrial action, passing the 50% ballot turned out required by law, which means the strikes will take place throughout Wales and England.

The first strike is set to take place on Wednesday, February 1 and many schools have been carrying out health and safety risk assessments to determine whether or not they are to stay open.

Some schools have already sent letters out to parents confirming closure on the day however the strike action will affect each school differently.

Mold Alun school is one that has confirmed they will close, with headteacher Jane Cooper saying she would be in touch with parents if anything changes.

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Connah’s Quay High School has also confirmed a closure, a letter to parents reading: “While the planned action is as a result of a national dispute between the unions and the government, and not specifically Connah’s Quay High School, it is important that we respond accordingly in the interests of the safety of our learners whilst respecting the rights of our staff.

“All examination groups should take this opportunity to focus on their revision. They can access revision resources via their online learning platforms. We appreciate that industrial action is disruptive and you may need to change your plans or working arrangements whilst this action is ongoing. We will of course continue to monitor the arrangements in the hope that a solution is found to bring this dispute to an end.

"Flintshire have confirmed that pupils entitled to FSM will receive a direct payment to cover the cost of lunch for any strike days.”

Other schools so far set to close if the strike action goes ahead include Hawarden High School, Ysgol Treffynnon, and Ysgol Bryn Gwalia CP. 

In Wrexham, Ysgol Acrefair and Ysgol Tanyfron have confirmed so far that they will close.

Other schools have decided to partially close, like Venerable Edward Morgan School, in Shotton, which will remain open for Dosbarth Chestnut, Willow, Cherry, Hazel, Maple, Ash and Aspen.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Flint will be closed to children in Nursery and Early Entitlement on this day, but open to pupils in Classes 2,3,4,5,6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Cefn Mawr will be open for just Year Two and Four pupils. St Annes Catholic Primary School in Wrexham will only be open for Reception, Year One, Year Two and Resourced Provision.

Other schools have yet to decide whether or not there will be any closures if the strike action goes ahead but have indicated they will let parents know in the coming days. 

The other dates for the NEU potential national strike action in Wales are:

  • Tuesday, February 4 
  • Wednesday, March 15 
  • Thursday, March 16