Parents and headteachers face uncertainty over the impact of next week's proposed teacher strikes

Parents are unsure if their children will be in class this week with a teachers' strike on the cards.

National Education Union members have voted in favour of strike action across seven dates in February and March.

The first day of action is planned for Wednesday (February 1) but staff do not need to give notice of their intention to strike, meaning headteachers cannot guarantee schools can open safely.

Headteachers at Stamford Welland Academy and Bourne Grammar School have contacted parents to outline the current situation.

The Stamford school will prioritise vulnerable pupils and those who are preparing for exams if the school cannot open fully.

In a letter to parents, principal Vicky Lloyd said: "We are not always aware of precisely how many employees intend to join strike action. Individuals are not under any obligation to notify us in advance.

"That can make predicting the impact of action difficult. We hope to be able to remain open as much as possible during the strike, but we are aware that a number of our staff are members of the National Eduction Union and that, consequently, some disruption is likely.

"The first consideration will be ensuring that we have sufficient staffing to maintain the safety of children on site. If we find that is not something we can guarantee, we will seek to prioritise support and teaching for students preparing for summer examinations, and those who are most vulnerable."

Further strikes are planned on Wednesday, March 1, Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16.

Headteacher of Bourne Grammar School, Alastair Anderson, told parents: "I am required to ensure that we will have sufficient staff available to supervise students safely on site in order to remain open.

"We are committed to providing education to as many students as possible across the four days but there can be no guarantee at this stage that we will be able to stay open for all students."

The Deepings School will initiate remote teaching if it cannot open fully.

A spokesman said: "At this stage, we understand that a limited number of colleagues will be taking industrial action on February 1 as part of the dispute between trade unions and the government over teacher pay.

"When we know more, we will make appropriate arrangements to mitigate the effect of strike action on students’ learning.

"If we cannot open the school safely to all students because of low staff numbers, we will prioritise attendance for children of key worker parents, vulnerable students, and groups due to take external exams. All other students will be taught remotely."

Lincolnshire County Council has re-iterated government advice on dealing with the strikes.

Martin Smith, assistant director for education, said: “As the strike dates approach, staff should notify their headteacher if they will not be in school on those days. Each school will need to assess the impact this will have and decide on the best course of action given their particular circumstances.

“The Department for Education has provided schools with updated guidance on handling strike action and expects headteachers and governing bodies to take all reasonable steps to keep schools open for as many pupils as possible.

“If the numbers of staff on strike mean a school must temporarily prioritise places, the DfE expects them to give preference to vulnerable children and children of critical workers. Schools should also consider prioritising pupils due to take exams and other formal assessments.

“Schools will inform parents of any alternative arrangements that will be in place or if they need to close.”

The strike action has come about following a dispute over pay, in which the union is demanding an above-inflation rise for its teacher members.

The Department for Education has offered a 5% increase to most teachers for the current school year.

However, the NEU - the UK's largest teaching union - argues that a below-inflation pay settlement, at a time of soaring prices, effectively means teachers are taking a pay cut.

The Lincolnshire secretary of the NEU, Ken Rustidge, still hopes positive discussions can avert industrial action.

He said: “It’s a number of issues; childcare issues, the cost of that has doubled, recruitment and retention of teachers is a difficulty.

“Headteachers have told me the difficulty in getting teaching assistants as they can get paid more money in a local supermarket.

"Most teachers don’t want to do this, but the voice of teachers has been heard loud and clear."