Last updated 15:55, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

CUMBRIA County council have issued advice for parents and the public on the intended national teachers’ strike today.

John Swainston

A council spokesman said: “In Cumbria 190 schools expect to remain open, including 14 secondary schools; 92 schools expect to close, including 11 secondary schools; 53 schools will be partially open, but only for certain classes or year groups, including 17 secondary schools.

A small number of schools will only be open for part of the day; three special schools for children with disabilities expect to be closed; the James Rennie School, Mayfield School and Sandgate School.

Most of the schools expecting to close or only partially open on Thursday sent out letters to parents and carers explaining how this will affect them. Parents need to check these letters carefully as some after school clubs, sports practice and other services may also be affected.

“The county council will be co-ordinating changes to school transport arrangements and other services for schools.

Staff are also on standby to help with schools which face unexpected difficulties on the strike day itself.

The council has written to all foster carers of school age children to find out whether they will need additional help or support on Thursday.”

John Swainston is head of schools and learning, at Cumbria County Council. He said: “Many schools will remain open on Thursday but we expect a large number will be closed due to the strike. “We will be working closely with schools over the next few days to ensure that parents and carers continue to receive up-to-date information, and to co-ordinate our services to schools. “We hope that a way forward can swiftly be found to settle this dispute and avoid further disruption for children and young people.”

Classed as due to close today are:

Whitehaven: Bransty, Jericho, Kells Infants, Mayfield, Moresby and St Benedicts are due to close and Hensingham faces partial closure.

Cleator Moor; Ehenside, Montreal, St Patricks (partial closure).

Egremont; St Bridget’s and Wyndham schools are due to close.

Millom: Thwaites school is due to close and St Jame’s school is partially closed.

St Bees village school is to close.

Gosforth faces partial closure.