by Tower Hamlets Socialist Party members
Teachers and support staff at Brick Lane Independent Special School began a five-day strike on 18 March.
The private equity–owned school faces criticism for reportedly moving profits offshore. Staff say long talks with the National Education Union (NEU) have not yet delivered fair pay, better sick policy or union recognition.
Photo: Tower Hamlets Socialist Party
Support staff report working an extra hour each day compared with those at the borough’s state special schools, yet still earn below the London living wage. They also have short break times and take on extra duties, including writing student reports, behaviour reports, safeguarding concerns, delivering clinical structured and unstructured group or 1:1 activities, dealing directly with parents and carers, and sometimes taking part in legally required annual reviews for children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).
According to NEU rep Maria, staff are paid for only 39 working weeks plus five weeks of statutory holiday, even though most cannot secure other work during school breaks. Spread across the year, their pay falls short of the national living level, despite working in central London, with no extra allowance for all the extra SEN responsibilities.
The picket line on the first morning was lively and determined. One teacher shared that even experienced colleagues earn less than the rate for Inner London schools, with no extra SEN allowance or travel support. She said that after covering monthly costs and transport, enjoying simple things like a holiday or a day out has become nearly impossible.
Strikers drew strength from the recent victory at Access Creative College.