Primary Teachers Strike in Salford, South London over Behaviour, Racism Claims

Primary school teachers at Moorside Primary School in Salford have initiated a series of strikes over concerns about unsafe pupil behaviour and inadequate management responses. The NASUWT union cited repeated assaults on staff, inconsistent behaviour policies, and insufficient support for pupils with special needs as key issues, prompting nine planned strike days. Despite the governing body asserting that the school remains a safe environment and an independent investigation underway, teachers describe the leadership as chaotic and negligent, urging immediate action to protect both staff and pupils. Concurrently, a strike at Harris Academy Beckenham spotlighted allegations of racial discrimination and unfair treatment of Jamaican teachers, including pay disparities and punitive measures when seeking qualified teacher status, claims denied by the Harris Federation. Broader surveys by NASUWT reveal a nationwide surge in physical and verbal abuse towards teachers, with many feeling undervalued and unsafe, leading half of surveyed educators to consider leaving the profession. Local authorities in Salford have engaged with unions and school leadership to seek resolutions to these disputes.