WREXHAM teachers at Darland High School took strike action today over cuts to teaching staff, behaviour and workload.

NEU Cymru and NASUWT Cymru at Darland High School took their first day of strike action, with two further strikes planned for June 30 and July 1.

NEU Cymru’s Nicola Fitzpatrick said: “Staff have consistently raised concerns about the negative impact that staffing cuts are having on workload, behaviour and pupils’ education.

“Leadership of the school need to prove to staff that they can act quickly to ensure that class sizes are not too big, that the senior leadership team are present to support challenging behaviour and that workload issues do not prevent them from doing what they want to do, which is teach.”

NASUWT Cymru’s Neil Butler said: “Poor financial management has led to a position where five teachers are facing possible job loss.

“The redundancy process has targeted teachers and there is substantial anger at the front line having to pay for financial incompetence.

“This is compounded by ineffective behaviour management and members feeling unsupported when dealing with serious issues of behaviour and aggression from some students.”

Chair of governors Elaine Lacey said: “While recognising and understanding the right of any employee to take strike action, we are disappointed that this action has been taken.

“The local authority and school continue to proactively work with the trade unions to resolve their members’ concerns.”

Wrexham Council’s Councillor Phil Wynn said: “The local authority remains committed to supporting the school through this period and we are focused on securing a positive and sustainable future for pupils, staff and the wider school community.”