Sandwell Council has broken its silence as staff at a SEND school in Oldbury prepare to strike over serious concerns. Teachers, teaching assistants, and catering staff at The Orchard on Causeway Green Road will begin strike action on Tuesday, June 2, citing unresolved issues including unreported health and safety violations and missed pay packets.
The council stated it is actively investigating the problems raised by staff. A spokesperson said: "The Orchard School will be closed to pupils on Tuesday, June 2 due to planned strike action by two of the school unions. We fully recognise the disruption this closure will cause to families, and we are sorry for the inconvenience. Parents and carers were informed in advance to allow time to make alternative arrangements."
Council Pledges to Prioritise Safety
The council emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of children remain its top priority. "The needs of our children are complex, and we want to reassure people that the safety and wellbeing of our children and staff remain our priority. The school and the council have been actively investigating the issues raised and remain committed to working constructively with all parties concerned in finding solutions. The school and Sandwell Council will continue to meet with union representatives in order to achieve a positive outcome as quickly as possible," the spokesperson added.
Union Condemns School Management
GMB union organiser Rachel Fagan announced the strike last week, stating: "From unreported health and safety violations to missed pay packets, these school workers have been pushed to the edge and forced to take action. Now workers are standing up to do what's right by them and the students they care for. We've written to Sandwell's new leadership to demand they take action in the face of a growing list of serious problems at the school."
A protest is planned outside Sandwell Council House in Oldbury on the first day of strike action, organised by GMB and teaching union NASUWT. Up to 90 staff members are expected to participate, following overwhelming support for industrial action in a recent ballot.
