The Government notes the concerns regarding Westside School that have been voiced by the NASUWT and which were the subject of Parliamentary Questions put to the Minister of Education during Friday afternoon’s session.

The Government takes this opportunity to clarify that it does not consider there to be a current threat of industrial action as it is in ongoing discussions with the Union. The Government further wishes to reassure parents, pupils, and the wider community that all its schools offer a safe learning environment.

The Government reiterates the Minister’s statement in Parliament, which confirmed that the Department of Education, together with the Government’s Industrial Relations Office, has jointly held remote and face-to-face meetings with a UK Senior Official-led NASUWT delegation. The relevant contact points include two meetings hosted locally and four remote meetings. Of these, five have taken place since September 2024.

The Government has also received feedback from teachers at Westside School who do not consider that they are working in an unsafe environment.

Nonetheless, there is a keen desire to respond to all concerns and address issues identified through the process of engagement. Clearly identified milestones from now until the end of January have been formulated collaboratively by the negotiating parties and are already in place.