TEACHERS at Flint High School took strike action today over allegations of workplace bullying and pupil behaviour.

NEU Cymru members at the school took the first of six days of strike action in September over claims of bullying by the head teacher and failures to tackle pupil behaviour.

NEU Cymru’s Nicola Fitzpatrick said: “The employer is failing to deal with the workplace bullying and the pupil behaviour, and this is having a detrimental effect on learning.

“Our members are sending a clear message to the school that they will not tolerate threats to their own or the pupils’ health, safety and well-being, and that they deserve dignity in the workplace.”

NEU Flintshire branch secretary Cheryl Latham said: “We were horrified by the bullying behaviour which members told us about when we first met with them.”

Flintshire County Council and the school’s governors deny the claim of bullying by the head teacher, saying the grievances were not upheld.

Claire Homard, the council’s chief officer for education, said: “I can confirm that due processes have been followed by the school governors and that grievances raised in relation to allegations of bullying were not upheld.

“The school has also undertaken a thorough review of its pastoral systems and behaviour management policies, and new initiatives have been put in place.”

The NEU said there had been discussions over the past two years with some limited progress in the implementation of any effective strategies to address its members’ concerns.

“Our members will continue to take action until these issues have been dealt with appropriately,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.