Isle of Wight NEU teacher strike days for March and what it's about

On the Island, three more strike dates are planned - on March 2, 15 and 16.

From the picket lines on Wednesday, the Isle of Wight County Press was told the reality of education funding meant teachers had been dipping into their own pockets to buy supplies and even food for students, as well as being asked to share ideas for how to be thrifty in the classroom.

Medina and Carisbrooke Colleges, Christ the King College and The Bay CE in Sandown were among the schools to close, while a number of year groups in some primary schools were asked to stay at home.

The picket line in Ryde on February 1. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Picket lines appeared outside school gates and later, a rally was held in Newport's St Thomas' Square.

Katy Bell, head of business and criminology at Ryde Academy told the County Press: "Something has to change in education, now.

Speaking outside the school on Pell Lane, which remained open to pupils, Katy added: "Teachers received a five per cent pay rise this year, but not extra funding to pay it.

"That money's come out of the budget of schools."

Teacher Katy Bell, Ryde Academy's head of business and criminology, on the picket line on February 1. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Buddy the dog, outside Ryde Academy. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Christ the King College maths teacher - and Isle of Wight NEU President - Claire Rennie said: "We don't want to be here. The government has failed to listen."

She said Westminster had denied requests to negotiate over pay and funding.

Katy said she knew some staff were struggling to pay rent, despite putting in long hours.

It meant some staff were leaving after three years of training, plunging schools into a recruitment crisis, she said. 

Claire Rennie, NEU president on the Isle of Wight. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Duncan Harrison, from Arreton Primary. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

From Arreton Primary, Duncan Harrison said he felt it was important for school workers to 'push back'.

He said in real terms, due to inflation, teachers pay has fallen over the last ten years and echoed the need for funding, so schools did not have to find the money themselves.

Island NEU members say they are worried education will suffer, with many schools are already facing a funding shortfall, due to rising costs.

During PMQs, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said teachers had received the highest rate of pay in 30 years.

He called education precious and said children deserved to be in school, being taught.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan called Wednesday's strike "deeply disappointing" and insisted conversations ongoing.

St Thomas's Square in Newport, on February 1. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)