Support staff strike at Drapers Pyrgo strike over cuts.

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week support staff at Drapers Pyrgo Priory school in Harold Hill have taken strike action over cuts to their hours and pay grades. Support staff are the backbone of most schools and the work these members of staff do is extremely important not only in the day to day running of school but also for the pupils’ wellfare.

The National Education union has been trying to resolve member concerns about the impact these cuts will have on teaching and learning, but with little progress apart from an offer to extend the consultation into June.

John Delaney, NEU district secretary for Havering said: “It is a cruel proposal at a time of rising inflation and extra living costs. Reducing hours and pay grades at this time is socially irresponsible and a kick in the teeth for the staff who kept the school running during the pandemic.”

It is believed that the school expanded during the pandemic period in Havering best described as a temporary bulge in the population. However, many other schools expanded at this time so as to ensure there were school places in the borough for all its children. There is concern about why there are no restructure proposals for the other schools in the MAT.

The Drapers’ Maylands primary is a new school and has only just become fully operational. The Pyrgo primary is part of the Drapers’ Multi Academy Trust which also runs Drapers’ Secondary school, and two other primary schools in Harold Hill. John added: “With falling numbers across schools in London and Havering why is Drapers concentrating on restructuring Pyrgo Priory School which serves those least well off in the area? There has been a lack of strategic oversight and Drapers have recently opened a school across the road. Whilst we welcome an extension to the consultation, we ask the employer to enter into meaningful dialogue with our members who serve the local community.”

For further information please contact John Delaney Havering District Secretary National Education Union.