PRESS RELEASE: NEU Trafford statement by Natasha Cheawood and Darren Ashurst, NEU Workplace Representatives at Flixton Girls School
National Education Union
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
NEU Trafford statement by Natasha Cheawood and Darren Ashurst, NEU Workplace Representatives at Flixton Girls School
Members of the National Education Union at FGS took part in lawful strike action on Thursday 14th May as part of our ongoing dispute regarding the proposed changes to curriculum delivery and the staffing restructure. Turnout was exceptionally high, reflecting the depth of concern among staff. We are grateful for the support shown by students, colleagues, parents, carers and the wider community, both on the day and in the messages received.
Firstly, while the letter states that lessons will continue to be taught by qualified teachers, it omits that some may be delivered by staff whose qualification is in a different subject specialism. This is a significant shift in curriculum delivery and one that has clear implications for educational quality.
Secondly, although the number of pastoral roles is increasing on paper—from Heads of House to Heads of Year—the total time allocated to these responsibilities is being reduced. This represents a net loss in pastoral capacity, not an enhancement.
The proposed reduction in social sciences teachers will inevitably restrict the number of classes and subjects available at Key Stage 4. Social sciences remain among the most popular option choices for students, and limiting access to these subjects undermines both student interest and curriculum breadth.
Similarly, the suggestion that art and design, DT and performing arts will benefit from “greater consistency” in timetabling overlooks the fact that this consistency arises from a reduction in allocated hours at Key Stage 3. This is not an improvement; it is a narrowing of provision.
Modern Foreign Languages provision is being streamlined from two subjects (French and German) to one (French). Members appreciate the commitment that current Key Stage 4 students studying German will be able to continue through to GCSE. However, current Year 7 students studying German will be required to switch to French from next year. This transition would be challenging under any circumstances, but the proposals also seek to reduce Key Stage 3 teaching time from 4 hours per fortnight to 3 hours. This reduction will not provide sufficient time for students to build the foundational knowledge needed to be genuinely GCSE‑ready by the end of Year 9. This is particularly disappointing given that languages remain a very popular GCSE option and an important part of a broad and ambitious curriculum.
Members welcome the commitment to increase PPA time. However, in practice, the majority of staff were already receiving at least 12% non-contact time, and this increase has only arisen because of widespread concern over the original proposals, which would have reduced non‑contact time to the statutory minimum of 10%. It is therefore misleading to present this as an enhancement, when in reality it represents the restoration of existing working conditions rather than an improvement.
We must also address the portrayal of the consultation process. Although consultation has been ongoing since February, many concerns raised by staff and trade unions have not been meaningfully addressed. Some members are still awaiting responses to their feedback. The reduction in the number of staff at risk of redundancy is largely due to colleagues opting for voluntary redundancy, not as a result of constructive dialogue or changes to the proposals.
Our members have not taken the decision to strike lightly. We remain committed to minimising disruption for Year 11 students during their examinations and have put provisions in place to support them. However, we cannot ignore the significant risks these proposals pose to educational quality, staff wellbeing and the long‑term stability of the school.
As part of our continued action, further strike days are planned for Tuesday 19th May and Wednesday 20th May. This escalation reflects the seriousness of the unresolved issues and the strength of feeling among members.
We continue to engage fully with the ACAS conciliation process and remain committed to reaching a swift and fair resolution. Our priority is, and always has been, to safeguard the quality of education for current and future students.
Statement from James Starnes, NEU Trafford Branch Secretary:
“I fully support Natasha Cheawood, Darren Ashurst and NEU members at Flixton Girls School in their efforts to protect educational quality, curriculum breadth, staff wellbeing and the long-term stability of the school. NEU Trafford stands in solidarity with members taking lawful industrial action and supports a swift and fair resolution through meaningful negotiation and conciliation.”
ENDS
Note to Editors:
· The National Education Union stands up for the future of education. It brings together the voices of half a million teachers, lecturers, support staff and leaders working in maintained and independent schools and colleges across the UK, to form the largest education union in Europe.
· It is an independent, registered trade union and professional association, representing its members in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
· The National Education Union is affiliated to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE), and Education International (EI). It is not affiliated to any political party and seeks to work constructively with all the main political parties.
Local contact details:
James Starnes, Branch & District Secretary of Trafford Branch – Email: james.starnes@neu.org.uk
National:
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Out of hours: 07918 617466 / 07879 480061
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