The snow didn’t stop staff, parents, children and supporters turning out on the picket line. St Bede’s in Redbridge took their first day of strike action against the school becoming a privatised academy. After the picket line, parents and teachers went for a rally. Other east London schools striking against academisation too. National Education Union (NEU) organiser Glenn Kelly said: “Workers hearts were lifted to see homemade banners done by children.” And Jeremy Corbyn sent the strikers a message of support. Next they’re planning a protest march in the area. Ian Pattison, East London Socialist Party ##Victory update: St Bon’s in Newham has agreed to drop academisation until at least September 2022. Its not the five-year guarantee campaigners wanted, but it’s a gain.