Guidance

Handling strike action in schools

Guidance on what to do when school staff go on strike.

Published 6 June 2013
Last updated 20 September 2016 — see all updates

• From: Department for Education

• Applies to: England

Documents

Handling strike action in schools

Ref: DFE-00303-2013 PDF, 293KB, 16 pages

Details

This is for:

• governing bodies
• headteachers
• school leaders
• school staff

It applies to:

• local-authority-maintained schools
• academies and free schools

It includes guidance on:

• how to keep schools open
• the law on trade disputes and picketing

Published 6 June 2013
Last updated 20 September 2016 + show all updates

1. 20 September 2016 This guidance has been revised to refer to current regulations and advice.
2. 1 July 2016 Updated section 8 on managing school meals options on a strike day.
3. 3 October 2014 Updated link to statutory early years foundation stage framework, and updated section 8 to clarify schools’ options for managing school meals on a strike day.
4. 1 July 2014 Replaced publication with updated departmental advice.
5. 14 February 2014 Replaced publication with updated departmental advice.
6. 6 June 2013 First published.