Some of the teachers at our Forest Hill Primary school are going on strike for a day next week. However, we got a letter home from school telling us that they are 'exercising their right' not to tell the school whether they are striking or not. We will be informed by text on the morning if they've not turned up. Am I alone in thinking this is totally outrageous abd disrespectful to parents and children? Enough families are struggling akready without petty behaviour like this. They have a legal right to strike but to do it in this way I think is disgusting. It's especially ironic that they are always lecturing the children about respect and attendance and now they're demonstrating the opposite.

Hi Deano I'm a Fairlawn parent and never knew about this strike so hopefully my son's school teachers are not taking part. Can I ask what school your kids attend as it does seem quite unsettleing and daunting for the kids not knowing what to expect and inconvenient for the parents that need to work or arrange childcare last minute. I personally think change of routine on school nights last minute is not a good thing for primary school kids. Thats just my own opinion.

It's a London-wide strike so I'd be surprised if other London Schools weren't affected. My kids are at Eliot Bank.

Deano haven't recieved a letter, and have double checked my son's school bag just incase. Looks like Fairlawn teachers are not taking part in the strike. Good news for me as a Fairlawn Parent but still a worry for parents of schools taking part with no notice. Hopefully this post prompts everyone to update all info on this issue.

Deano, I agree with you, that is outrageous. I thought that the union have to tell the employer what industrial action is taking place. Anything else could be unofficial action and grounds for dismissal. Am no expert though - can anyone clarify?

Regardless, this seems like a poor strategy if the teachers involved wanted parental support.

Requirement is to give 7 days to the employer of intention to take industrial action. I assume they have done that. However there is no requirement to sat WHO is going to take the action, so in this case they don't know which teachers will be in or out and therefore which classes they can hold, if any. Easy thing would be to close the school but I guess they are trying to be helpful by not deciding until the day when they see which teachers turn up. If I were a parent I would be lining up my cover arrangements now or just plan not to send my child that day.

Ok, I see.

I think you are right then but it is a shame that the school don't just advise that they will be closed. To not say so isn't really helpful.