Trust says pupils at Walsall special school are 'priority' as staff continue to strike over academy plans
An academy trust which is set to take over a Walsall special school said the wellbeing of pupils is its "priority" as staff continue to strike.
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Workers at Elmwood School in Rushall who are part of the National Education Union (NEU) have staged several walk outs this month over plans for the school to be run by Matrix Academy Trust.
Staff went on strike for two days this week and took their picket line to the entrance of Walsall Town Hall on Tuesday (March 25) night where the council was holding its Education Overview and Scrutiny meeting.
Further walk outs have been planned on the weeks commencing March 31 and April 7.
The NEU has called on the secondary school - which teaches pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties - to stop the academisation plans, maintain its own dedicated board of governors and "fully and transparently" consult with parents, staff and the local community over the plans.
In response to the strike action, Matrix Academy Trust said: "We are so excited about Elmwood joining our family of schools, each of which have their unique personalities.
"Elmwood’s leaders have shared their expertise with Matrix leaders for years and we are looking forward to strengthening this mutually beneficial relationship.
