The Education Authority says a seven day strike action next week (Monday 21st March to Sunday 27th March) could disrupt education and youth services, with school transport and school meals likely to be impacted.
Special schools may be impacted if schools transport is unavailable, and some classroom assistants may also be participating in strike action. The BBC reports that Glenveagh Special School has written to parents advising that in-school teaching cannot go ahead.
The letter states: “We have concluded that due to lack of staffing, we will unfortunately be unable to safely provide face-to-face teaching and support for pupils on Monday.” The school is to arrange remote learning or for work to be sent home for pupils. The school is still to make a decision about the rest of the week, but parents have been advised to arrange alternative transport and make packed lunches for children.
The EA says it is working hard with schools, youth services and partners to minimise the impact on children and young people. However it warns that disruption to services at the beginning of the week may take place with short notice, and warns parents that “considering alternative arrangements now is very important, particularly in relation to transport and school meals.”
School transport
The greatest disruption is anticipated in the greater Belfast area, as well as Antrim and Newtownabbey, and Mid and East Antrim Council areas from 21 – 25 March. There could be localised disruption to EA bus services too. Parents have been urged to make alternative arrangements on these dates.
Public transport is not affected by the strikes. Schools have been asked to keep parents updated on disruption to local transport routes.
School meals
The EA says “mitigations” are being put in place, including menu restrictions, and sharing of kitchen facilities between schools, but again warns parents to look at alternative arrangements for school meals.
Children eligible for free school meals are to be provided with packed lunches if school meals aren’t available.
The EA is providing updates on the strike action at this link: eani.org.uk/industrialactionupdates and is also providing school transport updates here: eani.org.uk/news/transport-updates
