Autism School Staff Strike Over Unaddressed Violence

Staff at the Duke of Lancaster school for autistic children have initiated a strike, citing concerns that assaults by students are not being adequately addressed by the Eastern Education Group (EEG). Members of the National Education Union (NEU) report that violence has become normalized within the institution, compromising the health and safety of both students and employees.

English teacher James Coulson highlighted that numerous staff injuries, some severe, are preventable. He stated that a lack of appropriate measures and follow-up has led to these incidents being accepted as routine. Staff also expressed a need for better care and mental well-being support following assaults.

EEG asserts that since taking over the school in 2024, they have significantly enhanced safeguarding, increased staffing levels, and provided specialized training. They maintain that the school will operate as usual during the strike, emphasizing the importance of consistency for the children. The group added that a new head of safeguarding and behavior has been appointed.

The school, which caters to 100 children aged 5-16 with autism or communication needs, was noted as requiring improvement in its March 2024 Ofsted report. Further strikes are possible, with the NEU hoping for a meeting with school leaders to resolve the concerns.