TEACHERS who stood outside Corringham's Gable Hall School today (Wednesday, 11 December) as a protest against changes to working practices have pledged to return tomorrow - and they expect to be joined by more senior NASUWT union members.

Thurrock Nub News reported on today's events here.

During the day teachers left the school building after being told they would not be paid because they were taking industrial action.

It is understood that, due to the absence of teachers, more tah 200 children spent the day in the school hall, just reading books, under minimal supervision.

Teachers at Gable Hall have received support from Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, who says: "It is absolutely astounding that the employer has gone ahead with a lock out of teachers at the school which is preventing our members from teaching pupils.

"The employer has decided it would rather bar its staff from teaching pupils than actually address the poor working practices it is imposing on teachers.

"The employer has today demonstrated its contempt for both teachers and pupils with this hostile decision.

"The NASUWT remains ready and willing to sit down with the employer to find a resolution to this dispute; however, that requires an employer that is prepared to listen to staff, rather than seeking to bully and intimidate them."

However, while the union rallies behind teachers, there has been a counter move from some parents who support what is happening at schools with the Ortu Federation.

One said: "I think discipline and structure is what young children need nowadays, they lack authority and responsibility and respect

"My own daughter has suffered. And the reason is she lacks respect for authority. However, a strong line is working. She is starting to take responsibility for her own actions, it's taken four suspensions but she is slowly getting better.

"Things have to change in order to move the school forward!

"I'm happy with the extra staff at break times micro monitoring kids!

"They are preventing smoking and toilet blockers! And doing much more. Teachers are outside the gates every morning and evening checking uniforms and ensuring other kids are safe!

Homesteads councillor Gary Bryne, left, joined the protest outside Gable Hall.

"It's helped the vulnerable students and ensures the confident kids that they getting watched. And I'm sick of seeing little girls including my own daughter with skirts like a belt.

"I non-stop tell my daughter to pull down and as soon as she leaves the house it goes back to small! Finally the school has woken up! I'm happy this is in place! For the safety of our girls! It's not for fashion and if you get the uniform right first time you won't have problems.

"Obviously we were picking the wrong uniform and we created problems because our kids wanted to dress their way but that's not the rules I'm afraid.

"Teens now days are getting harder to manage.

"My daughter is a handful at times and if she is allowed to get away with not following rules she goes awol and now finally this federation is acting and it's actually what my daughter needs.

"I would also confirm this Federation have originated from London and deal with some of the worst possible situations for kids and have outstanding reviews and proven success results in these schools in Hackney!

"Unless your human rights have been violated I would try to work with them to support your child's educational journey.

"And if you have a challenging child. Non-stop calls and meetings at the school can be long winded at first but with constant support from both sides your child will get better!

"Otherwise take them out and move schools with a different federation! Try St Cleres! Or Grays Academy

"As for the teachers, they are to used to working a certain way and change is not taken easily. It takes time to adjust! If they believed in the system and worked with it rather than fight it we would have teachers to teach our kids today!

"If teachers don't like the working conditions please leave! I'd rather my daughter be taught by people that want to work there.

"At Gable Hall my prayers have been answered. This is exactly the federation our community needs to support our children who have the skills and potential to be outstanding individuals and great people.

"It's only my opinion!"

Coirrinhgam and Fobbing councillor John Fox joined teachers, parent and students outside the school this evebing and said: "This is all desperateley disappointing and the shame it it could be afford. I genuinely hope that over the coming days all converned, from the Department foir Education, Thurrock Council, the federations and the unions can come together and get a consensus. We all know change needs to happen with Ortu, but I am not sure it is being tackled in the right way.

"Myself and colleagues will continue to meet with parents with the aim of getting things settled and all concerned en-route to viable, improving schools in East Thurrock."

Thurrock Nub News has tried to contact the Ortu and Mossbourne Federations for several weeks.

This evening we got a short response. It reads: "The Ortu Federation has asked that staff members fulfil contractual obligations of 1265 hours per academic year as set out in the current edition of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (which came into force on 3 November 2023).

"The Federation's objectives are for students to learn in a safe environment and make excellent progress."