Teachers at Daventry’s E-ACT Parker Academy to Ballot for Strike Action

Educators at a secondary institution are preparing to conduct a formal ballot regarding potential strike action, citing “adverse” management practices. The NASUWT teachers’ union reported that its members at E-ACT Parker Academy in Daventry previously supported industrial action in an indicative vote held last week. While the union has not yet announced a specific date for the ballot, approximately 60 teachers are anticipated to participate in the vote. Alan Hackett, who serves as the NASUWT National Executive Member for Northamptonshire, stated that a recent shift in leadership at the school has rendered it “increasingly difficult” for educators to perform their duties. This development comes after parents initiated a petition demanding the headteacher’s resignation due to concerns about the treatment of students. The parents alleged a “decline in academic progress” and reported that pupils faced more detentions, stringent uniform regulations, and were denied toilet breaks. A spokesperson for E-ACT, the trust responsible for the school’s oversight, previously expressed that it was “disappointed and saddened” by a public petition directed at one of its “dedicated headteachers.” Mr. Hackett commented that the petition demonstrated how “the concerns of the teachers at the school are shared by parents.” He further stated: “NASUWT members at Parker E-Act Academy met last week where they voted to take industrial action over adverse management practises at the school.” According to him, the school’s response to the concerns raised by both the union and parents was misleading. He clarified that the Ofsted report cited by the school was issued in 2021, whereas the current issues at the institution commenced with new leadership assuming control in June 2024. He emphasized that strike action is consistently a final option for teachers, urging the employer to negotiate a resolution to the disagreement that addresses the issues brought forth by NASUWT members. The school has been approached for a statement.