There could be more strikes at Fakenham School- Education rep
It's as some teachers at the Duke of Lancaster walked out on Tuesday- over concerns around health and safety
A local education union tells us there could more strikes at a special school in Fakenham- if their concerns aren't addressed.
It's as some teachers at the Duke of Lancaster walked out on Tuesday- over concerns around health and safety.
The National Education Union (NEU) says this follows an ongoing dispute with the employer regarding lack of adequate protocols and procedures to deal with significant ongoing health and safety issues at the school.
The NEU remains open to meaningful dialogue to resolve the dispute.
"That all takes it toll"
Tim Wilkes works for the National Education Union in Norfolk:
"Staff all too often have to face spitting, kicking, punching and verbal abuse. That all takes it toll and we should ensure that everyone has the support and back up they need to do their job properly and effectively.
"There have been far too many violent incidents which have sometimes lead to very significant injuries to staff. These have not been dealt with sufficiently and there's been a role of adequate support and adequate response".
What have those running the school said about all this?
A spokesperson for Eastern Education Group said:
"Since becoming part of the Group in 2024, Duke of Lancaster Academy has seen substantial investment and improvement, including strengthened safeguarding, increased staffing, a new leadership structure, and specialist training for all staff.
"We know the pace of improvement has been demanding for colleagues. That reflects our duty to act quickly for the most vulnerable learners. As we move forward, we remain committed to a positive and collaborative partnership with all staff; ensuring they feel heard and supported.
"Safeguarding at DoL has also been significantly strengthened. Since joining the Group, DoL’s safeguarding systems have been fully overhauled and rebuilt, with specialist safeguarding leaders guiding and embedding consistent practice across the school.
As part of this strengthened safeguarding and behaviour structure:
• We have brought in a new Student Liaison Officer, a key role within our behaviour support framework, providing responsive, practical support to learners and staff throughout the school day.
• A new Group Head of Safeguarding and Behaviour and a new Safeguarding Practitioner have been appointed for the summer term, representing a significant further investment in specialist safeguarding and behaviour leadership.
A number of initiatives have also been co‑created with staff who are working collaboratively with us to make Duke of Lancaster Academy the best it can be. We are deeply grateful to these colleagues for their ideas and commitment to positive change. Together, we are embedding:
• a standardised radio protocol with a clear RAG system, developed with staff input to strengthen communication and ensure consistent responses;
• half‑termly Health & Safety reviews with union involvement, enabling open dialogue and shared analysis of trends;
• a full review of the Behaviour Policy, with staff engagement central to shaping clearer expectations and consistent approaches across the school;
• clearer distinctions between dysregulation and deliberate aggression, with proportionate and appropriate responses; and
• strengthened induction, training and recruitment to support a skilled, confident and specialist workforce.
Our guiding principle is simple: we put our children and young people at the heart of our decisions.