Parents at Roding Primary School in Woodford Green are hopefully yesterday's strike action with resolve the industrial dispute between staff and governors (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Parents at Roding Primary School in Woodford Green are hopefully yesterday's strike action with resolve the industrial dispute between staff and governors

4:25pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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PARENTS have expressed hope that the strike action which forced the closure of a Woodford Green primary school yesterday will lead to the resolution of the dispute and not cause further disruption to their children's education.

Yesterday (March 10) around 30 support staff at Roding Primary School in Roding Lane North, who are members of the GMB union, took part in the strike and mounted a picket, forcing the school to shut for the day.

It is thought the industrial action came as a result of a pay dispute and and that future strikes have not been ruled out.

Dispute the potential for disruption, parents at the school seemed satisfied that they had been given fair notice and were more concerned with seeing the end of the dispute rather than criticising the staff's decision to strike.

Hatice Ozfevzi, of Crownhill Road, said: “I've never had any problem with the school or its staff so I just hope they can resolve the dispute quickly to maintain the school's reputation, because that's really important.

“We were told at least a week ago and I think that's enough warning for people to make arrangements and everything.

“For me it actually was quite convenient, much more than if it had happened today though, which would have been a problem.”

Another mum at the school, Karen, who did not want to give her last name, said: “I'm amazed it's the only school in the borough that did it. I mean, I could understand if they all did it but just our school?

“For me it didn't cause my any problems, I just looked after my son at home, but I can see how it would really affect working mums.”

Confusion exists about whether the parties are currently engaged in talks, as the union has claimed the governing body refuses to sit down with them.

However, a spokeswoman for the governors said this is untrue and that talks are ongoing.

Another parent, who did not want to give her name, said: “It has affected my children's education and I think that's the main point that worries me.

“But then again I got to spend more time with my children, so I'm actually not too angry about it.”

A council spokeswoman said: "We are dismayed that staff at Roding Primary School have taken the decision to strike which has meant the school has to close for one day on March 10.

"Staff have requested their job roles are reviewed and the council has written to the GMB to explain that a review of job descriptions and grades for all support staff in all schools has already been undertaken as part of the Single Status process.

"It would not be practical or cost- effective to carry out a separate pay and grading review for the school staff.

"Our main concern is to avoid any disruption to pupils’ education so we will be in regular discussions with the trade unions including GMB to do everything we can to avoid further disruption to the school."