STRIKE action over controversial plans to form a school trust of two Leyton schools has been rescheduled.
It was confirmed today that NUT members at Norlington School for Boys, in Norlington Road, plan to walk out for three days from November 10 to 12.
They have already staged two strikes this year of one day each but have escalated the action as they feel no change has been made in the position of the school's governing body.
Waltham Forest NUT branch secretary Rinaldo Frezzato said: “We don't want the employer to change from Waltham Forest council.
“There's been no movement from the local authority on that particular issue.”
He added that the NUT was still open to discussion with the authority and with the school's governing body and that a meeting of union members is set to take place to discuss action.
Mr Frezzato said: “We would still welcome further talks if the school or the authority want to engage with us.”
Under the plans, Norlington and George Mitchell All-Through School would fall under a single school trust, headed by the Institute of Education.
It has been stated they would maintain separate governing bodies but fears have been raised over the schools' loss of autonomy.
Under the proposals, a new school building would also be built on part of the Leyton Sports Ground, which has angered local residents as they say it would have a negative effect on the area.
Campaigners, parents and union members have all voiced fierce opposition to the plan as they feel it would not be beneficial to pupils.
Union members also fear that taking the school out of complete local authority control will lead to changes to their pay and conditions.
The Guardian is seeking comment from Norlington executive head Ruth Woodward.
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