Archway parents’ backing for teachers strike at St Aloysius school
Published; 25 June 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB
PARENTS have backed teachers at an Archway school where a one-day strike was held on Tuesday over concerns about the safety of a new school building.
Two-thirds of St Aloysius teachers took part in the action and have told the school they will strike again next Thursday.
Up to 50 people packed a public meting at The Old Crown pub in Highgate Hill on Monday where parents and staff shared their concerns about the design of the school’s new £17million building.
At the same time parents have been calling the Tribune to tell of their “worries” that their children will be forced to study in “unsuitable” classrooms.
One couple say they are scared their visually impaired son could be injured because vital visual aids have allegedly not been included in the building design.
Anne Tigrine, whose Year 10 son Joe has severe sight problems, said: “I agree with the teachers’ strike. It’s not just us and the children, the teachers need somewhere safe to work.”
She argued that yellow strips on stairs and markings on glass panels and railings are required by law where a pupil has serious sight problems.
The school remained open while 40 of the school’s 61 teachers picketed the school gates on Tuesday morning during the one-day strike. Internal exams continued.
Teachers say the L-shaped design of the new design and technology classrooms will make it hard for them to monitor pupils.
They have complained about the lack of storage in science classrooms and exposed wires in parts of the building.
St Aloysius headteacher Tom Mannion said: “We all agree that the facilities provided by the Islington contract
are in some cases inadequate and in other instances totally unacceptable and an independent report highlights the significant problems with the design technology rooms.”
A Balfour Beatty spokeswoman said: “Health and safety of the students, teachers and community at St Aloysius School is and always has been Balfour Beatty’s main priority. In developing the design we have met and delivered the council’s requirements.”