The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) teachers' strike has been extended for an additional nine days, impacting 20 schools across the West Midlands. The National Education Union (NEU) initiated the dispute over job cuts, and now the strike will span 18 days, with four schools re-balloted at the members' request. The ATLP trust attributes the staff reductions to 'significant overstaffing', an issue masked by an accounting error in 2022-23. The NEU warns of detrimental effects on children's support, with 100 job losses predicted. The ATLP trust refutes central team cuts, emphasizing final plans are pending consultation. Chris Denson, Coventry NEU joint secretary, highlights parental support, with pickets and demonstrations showcasing widespread backing for teachers and support staff. The four re-balloted schools are The Bridge Academy Lichfield, Greysbrooke Primary in Shenstone, Brookvale Primary in Erdington, and Dunstall Park Primary, Tamworth. The 20 schools already involved are Anna Seward Primary, Lichfield; Coton Green Primary, Tamworth; Curdworth Primary, Sutton Coldfield; Deykin Avenue Junior and Infant, Witton, Birmingham; Hill West Primary, Sutton Coldfield; Mere Green Primary, Four Oaks; Osborne Primary, Erdington, Birmingham; Paget Primary, Pype Hayes, Birmingham; Scotch Orchard Primary, Lichfield; Slade Primary, Erdington; St Chad's CE Primary, Lichfield; St Michael's C of E Primary, Lichfield; William MacGregor Primary School, Tamworth; Two Gates Primary School, Tamworth; The Coleshill School, Warwickshire; The Royal Sutton School, Sutton Coldfield; Nether Stowe School, Lichfield, Staffordshire; Stockland Green School, Erdington, Birmingham; The Arthur Terry School, Sutton Coldfield; and West Coventry Academy, Coventry.
