Supply Teacher and Assistant Dismissed on Day of NEU Strike at St Francis Primary

Union vows legal challenge as supply teacher and assistant let go without notice

Two long-standing members of staff at a Cornish primary school were dismissed without warning after taking part in strike action, sparking anger from the community and prompting a legal review by the National Education Union (NEU).

Striking Staff Dismissed Without Notice

Supply teacher Mrs Jones * and her classroom assistant Ms Smith * were removed from their roles at St Francis Church of England Primary School on 4th July, the same day the NEU’s latest strike began. Both had been working with a Year 3 class since January, covering for teachers on long-term sick leave.

In a letter to parents dated 22nd April, headteacher Adam Richards praised their contribution, writing:

“The children are thriving under [Mrs Jones’s] teaching and she knows the children very well.”
He confirmed they would continue to avoid “any further disruption.”

However, on the day of the strike, Mrs Jones * was informed by her supply agency that her contract had ended with immediate effect. No explanation was given, and she was told to return school equipment. Ms Smith *, who is not believed to be an NEU member, was also dismissed.

Mrs Jones * later told Education Uncovered:

“I was heartbroken for the children… They’ve already got complex needs—they needed continuity and stability. Parents were in tears, children didn’t understand why their teacher had gone.”
She also said the school refused her request to say goodbye in person, forcing her to send a message and gifts through a colleague.

School’s Response

In a message to parents on Monday 7th July, Adam Richards noted only that there had been “some changes to the teaching arrangements in [that] class.” He added that the new supply staff would ensure the children “continue to thrive.” No direct thanks or farewell was mentioned for Mrs Jones * or Ms Smith *.

Legal Questions Raised

The NEU says it is seeking legal advice over what it calls the instantaneous dismissal of staff who had served for more than 12 weeks, a threshold after which supply teachers acquire certain employment protections under the 1996 Regulations.

Senior regional organiser Sarah Allen said:

“The union is seeking legal advice on whether these dismissals contravene employment law.”

Kernow Learning Multi Academy Trust, which runs St Francis, responded:

“We do not recognise the alleged issues you have raised… We will continue to engage with the union and all our staff to find a mutually satisfactory solution. We will not be commenting further in the media.”
However, the NEU says the Trust has not responded to its latest request for a meeting.

Community Support and Picket Lines

Despite poor weather, picket lines have continued to attract strong community backing. Parents, pupils and fellow teachers have turned up from 7:00 am, with peak support from passers-by between 8:15 and 8:35, offering encouragement, snacks and honking in support.

There are also allegations that supply teachers and trainees from Kernow Learning’s training arm were brought in to cover striking staff—something the High Court has ruled unlawful.

Root of the Dispute

The current strike is centred around a number of unresolved staff concerns:

• Excessive scrutiny: Frequent “drop-in” observations with no cap, damaging morale.

• Unclear workload: While the issue of the 1,265 annual directed hours has been resolved, lack of a published calendar and protected leadership time remains a concern.

• Poor support for behaviour: Teaching assistants report being left alone to handle challenging behaviour.

• Communication failures: Major decisions are shared late or not at all.

• Wellbeing ignored: Regular staff-wellbeing meetings have ceased.

More Action to Come

Tomorrow, 16th July, marks the final strike day of this term. However, the NEU has already called 10 more strike days for September. The union says its action will continue until Kernow Learning addresses the core issues.

For now, support outside St Francis shows no signs of slowing, and the dismissals have only hardened resolve.

Read more from Warwick Mansell on the Education Uncovered blog here: https://www.educationuncovered.co.uk

* Names have been changed.