Dorset school strikes put on pause pending talks
Strike action was set to go ahead at Queen Elizabeth's and Corfe Hills schools
Teacher strikes at two Dorset schools that were due to happen today have been put on pause.
The strike action, which would have taken place at Queen Elizabeth's School in Wimborne, and Corfe Hills School in Broadstone, was planned due to cuts to teacher numbers and subject provision.
Even Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, had called for an investigation into the governance and finances of Initio Learning Trust, which manages the two schools and 17 others.
Slade posted on Facebook in March: "I Met with the Schools Minister to raise concerns about academy trusts, including Initio Learning Trust.
"The Minister agreed the issues warrant investigation. They will examine if similar problems are happening nationally and committed to a follow-up meeting once more information is gathered."
Further consultations are now taking place - though Hits Radio have been told that if they're not productive, strikes will go ahead on the 7th May.
Tom Neill, Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth's School, put forward the following comment on the school's behalf: "Following constructive conversations with unions, we have made sufficient progress to continue the discussion towards a resolution and the planned strike action for this week has now been suspended.
"While this represents a positive step forward, we will continue to work with representatives and we remain committed to ensuring that a lasting resolution is agreed.
"Our priority remains providing a supportive working environment for all staff, ensuring our schools continue to provide high-quality education to all our students.
"We thank both our staff and union representatives for their cooperation and support."