Teaching unions have confirmed that they will not announce any new strike dates for two weeks.
The unions have agreed on a fortnight-long pause to allow for government talks.
A joint statement from the Government and the education unions said: “In order for talks to begin and, we hope, reach a successful conclusion, the NEU has confirmed it will create a period of calm for two weeks during which time they have said no further strike dates will be announced.”
Why Are Teachers Striking?
The bottom line is pay, workload and working conditions.
A report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies says that teachers have seen a 5% pay decrease in real terms, however, the unions say that by some measures it has fallen by up to 23%.
Liesl White, a Yorkshire science teacher, said: “I estimate I’ve lost £60,000 over 10 years compared with inflation.”
The National Education Union are calling for an above inflation pay rise and proper funding for education. They also want to address workload and working conditions within education.
Mrs White said: “The job is significantly harder and less enjoyable due to unrealistic expectations and massive workloads which impact on home life.”
Whilst she stands with her colleagues on the picket lines, Mrs White says it is “too late” for her and has resigned due to the profession being constantly “undervalued”.
What do the Unions want from these talks?
The NEU and teachers say they want the government to listen to experienced teachers before making policies and to recognise the “broken system” for what it is.
Toby Mallinson, district secretary for NEU Sheffield, said: “ We don’t know the outcome but we need a properly resourced service. If they’re halfway house about this, they’re just storming up problems for the future.
“All of the unions are singing from the same song sheet and we’ve got a very strong voice.”
The “intensive” talks will begin today and are due to carry on over the weekend after 47% of Schools in England were restricting attendance and 6% were fully closed on the strike days on the 15th and 16th March.
What has the Government said?
Earlier this week, Education secretary Gillian Keegan expressed her disappointment in children losing “valuable learning time” and said the strikes were “unnecessary “.
However in today’s statement, both the unions and government, say they hope to come to a “successful conclusion” soon.