Anti-academy strikes kick off in Redbridge

St Bede's (Click to enlarge)

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.

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