A GROUP of teachers at a Monmouthshire secondary school are on strike over "adverse management practices."

Teachers at Chepstow comprehensive school, on Welsh Street, Chepstow, took the first of eight planned days of strike back in April this year.

Concerns were raised over the style of management in the school and the 'failure' of governors to address complaints.

In a statement the school has said: "The school will be shut for all students on this date [today], except those on Year 12 Transition week.

"We are sorry for the disruption that this will cause for your children in their learning."

Speaking to the Argus in April, former head of PE Andy Clarke said there were long-standing issues which had not been addressed.

Mr Clarke said: "There are two main issues. One is the style of management which the union has no confidence in, and the other is the refusal of governors to investigate complaints."

Now, members of the NASUWT-The Teachers' Union say they have no option but to take the last of their eight days of planned strike action today (Tuesday, July 17).

NASUWT members will picket the school gates from 7.30am to 9:30am.

The union says teachers are continuing their strike over "adverse management practices which are having a detrimental effect on the working conditions and welfare of members, after previously withdrawing six of the days of action."

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “It is deeply regrettable that the progress which was being made, following the involvement of ACAS, to resolve the long-standing issues over the way in which Chepstow Comprehensive School is being managed has not been maintained.

"Teachers continue to feel undervalued, unsupported and disenfranchised from the decision making processes within the school.

“The NASUWT remains willing to continue to engage with the Monmouthshire authority and the governing body but the oppressive and punitive management practices must stop."

Rex Phillips, NASUWT National Official Wales, said: “Despite reaching an ACAS facilitated agreement on establishing a school-based consultative committee, and deadlines for the provision of information to assist our members in the delivery of education for the pupils in their charge, the response for the school has been found wanting.

"The cultural change in management style needed to create an atmosphere of collegiality and cooperation in the school has not materialised, and our members have seen no discernible difference in the overarching management practices.

“Consequently, they have been left with no alternative other than to, once again, withdraw their labour in protest against the apparent reluctance the school to translate the agreements reached into acceptable practice in the workplace.”