TEACHERS this morning took to the picket line outside Cardigan Secondary School to protest at what they claim are adverse management practices at the school.

Members of the National Union of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) walked out on a one-day strike - the first of six planned days of action over working practices which they say are creating a climate of fear and intimidation.

Around 30 protestors – teachers, former members of staff and supporters - gathered outside the school gates in the bitterly cold rain and snow from 7am-9am to highlight their concerns.

Pupils walked into school past the picket line, while many passing motorists sounded their horns in support.

The school remained open but it is understood around 16 teachers would not be working today.

An investigation into claims of bullying and harassment is currently being conducted by Ceredigion County Council.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “The NASUWT is deeply disappointed to have been forced into taking this action today.

“The union has met with representatives from Ceredigion County Council and the discussions were constructive.

“However, there is still no tangible evidence that there is the will to make significant changes at the school following amendments to the employer’s own investigations which seem to focus on threatening those who have had the courage to raise their concerns with breach of the EWC code of conduct.

“The NASUWT stands ready to work with Ceredigion County Council and governors at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi to create a working environment based on mutual professional trust and respect where staff are treated with dignity.”

Standing outside the school, Neil Butler, NASUWT National Official Wales, said: “It is very rare for teachers to take action like this and they are saddened to have to do so.

“There has been a culture of fear that has been bubbling away for a long time and they feel they cannot take any more.

“NASUWT members at the school past and present contacted the union last October and disclosed information on unacceptable management practices in the school, including punitive and excessive monitoring and unreasonable workload.

“The NASUWT ballot for industrial action shows that the overwhelming majority of NASUWT members believe that there is a climate of fear and intimidation in the school and are willing to make a stand to secure change.

“The NASUWT is committed to protecting its members wherever they teach from unacceptable management practices and that is why we are taking action today.

“While we deeply regret the disruption to pupils and parents, the action will continue until we are convinced that both the local authority and the governors are committed to changing the culture in the school.

“Teachers are professionals who should be enabled to work in a spirit of cooperation, feeling they are valued and their professional opinions are respected.

“The NASUWT remains willing to engage with the employer to work towards this objective.

“Another meeting is planned with the local authority and the ball is now very much in the court of the local authority.”

Five more one-day strikes are planned on Tuesday, February 5 and Wednesday February 6, followed by further action on Tuesday, February 12, Wednesday February 13 and Thursday February 14.

Striking staff released a joint statement saying: "Staff who belong to the teaching union the NASUWT at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi who have decided to strike would like to inform parents that the decision to strike on Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019 has been taken with great reluctance.

"Teachers at the school are hardworking, committed and professional and the strike action is a protest against the gruelling and demanding workload being imposed upon them and the intolerable levels of scrutiny.

"Additionally, there is an ongoing investigation against the headteacher into allegations of intimidation and bullying involving both present and past staff.

"Strike action is being taken as a last resort to improve working conditions for teachers, which will, ultimately, benefit pupils as the current high turnover of staff is unsettling and disruptive."

One woman, who was supporting the teachers, said: “I am here to support teachers, past and present, as they struggle to bring their concerns about the hostile working conditions at Cardigan Secondary School to the attention of the school management, the school governors and the local education authority.

“Everyone deserves to have a fair and just workplace where problems can be aired and addressed – not hidden by oppression from senior management and governors.”