School staff on strike in dispute over funding

Members of the National Education Union at Oasis Academy Immingham are striking in a dispute over how funds are being used by the school.

The union claimed there was a lack of progress on a development plan for the secondary school and insufficient funding.

The academy said students remained its "absolute priority" and its focus was on ensuring they have the support they need to learn and thrive.

Union members walked out for two days last week and will be on strike for the rest of this week.

The union said it balloted for industrial action last year over a proposed restructure at Oasis Academy Immingham which would have seen three job losses.

However, Oasis Community Learning, which runs the school, dropped its plans and agreed to work on a plan to boost pupil numbers and invest in the academy.

Speaking on the picket line, Dan Taylor from the National Education Union said: "Staff have come out on strike because they feel they want to make sure the community in Immingham is getting a great deal for their local school.

"Last year the Trust proposed a five-year plan to invest in the school but there's been no progress on that."

Former pupil Callum Marriot, who is now a geography teacher at the school, said: "I've seen it from both sides of the spectrum. When I was here the school got a lot of investment and there were vocational opportunities."

The 22-year-old added: "We need to know where the money is going, we want the kids to be able to do the best and we need transparency."

Executive principal Nichola Smith said: "Our students remain our absolute priority, and our focus is on ensuring they have the support they need to learn and thrive.

"We are working hard to minimise disruption to education and are grateful to our academy community for their continued support and understanding.

"Our commitment remains to providing the best possible education and opportunities for every student at Oasis Academy Immingham."

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