TOWN heads have vowed that teacher strikes scheduled for next week will not affect classes.

The National Union of Teachers is calling its first day of strike action next Tuesday in a dispute over contracts, funding for schools and workloads.

Clive Zimmerman, principal at Lydiard Park Academy, said it was business as usual at the school

“Our plan is to keep things running as steadily as possible," he said.

“While we have teachers who will be taking part in the strike, it’s almost made even more difficult by the fact we have year six pupils coming in to have a look round the school but we have made arrangements to make it work. We have written to the parents.

"There may have to be reading sessions in the library or periods of quiet study but for the vast majority of students things will be running as normal.

“We will fill the gaps accordingly even if some things need to be moved around."

Mr Zimmerman estimates the school will lose six of its 75 staff members to strike action.

Wendy Conaghan, head teacher at Kingsdown School and chair of head teachers' association Swindon SASH, said: “We have a teacher-training day so this will not impact us at all but in the past we have been able to keep things going and that will always be the priority for any school in Swindon.

“Things are made more difficult when it is multiple unions striking.

"It makes it more difficult when we don’t know that far in advance that teachers will be striking, because you have to conduct a risk assessment and of course speak to parents about the effect it may have.”

James Povoas, principal at the Ridgeway School, said plans were being put in place to cover any staff shortages caused by the strike.

Currently the school has 18 NUT members out of 83 staff.

“Lessons will be carried on, in the worst case scenario one year group may be set independent study to be completed at home but we are doing our best to make sure that isn’t the case, we anticipate that lessons will continue as normal,” Mr Povoas said.

The NUT say their research shows Wiltshire is likely to suffer a 4.4 per cent funding cut over the next few years

Mike Harrison, secretary of the Wiltshire branch of the NUT, said: “The strike demands are to increase funding to schools and education, guarantee terms and conditions in all types of schools, and to resume negotiations on teacher contracts to allow workload to be addressed.

"The NUT is not taking action lightly. In light of the huge funding cuts to schools, worsening terms and conditions, and unmanageable and exhausting workloads, teachers cannot be expected to go on without significant change.”