Industrial action closes down majority of borough's schools
Twenty one schools were closed, and 15 schools were partially shut in Hammersmith and Fulham on Thursday in the first national teachers' strike for more than 20 years.
Only 16 schools stayed open, meaning 8,484 children in the borough were unable to attend school.
In total, 4,854 primary school children, 359 nursery age children 3,070 secondary school children and 201 pupils with special educational needs were forced to stay home for the day.
It was the National Union of Teachers’ first national strike since 1987 and teachers warned they were prepared to walk out again if the Government did not increase its offer.
Across the country it was estimated the dispute closed or partially closed up to 9,500 schools, affecting almost three million children.
And more than 400,000 people were on strike, as civil servants walked out alongside teachers in another pay dispute.
Government's Schools Secretary Ed Balls claimed the majority of teachers and parents did not back the strike.
He said: "The idea that lessons are being lost is very frustrating, and I'm sure I share that opinion with most teachers. There isn't a justification for the strike. Over the past 10 years, teachers' pay has risen substantially."
He added that the timing of the strike was "unfortunate" as many schools had only just come back from their holidays and many pupils are currently preparing for exams.
April 25, 2008