‘Double standards’: Angry parents fine school £8,000 over teachers’ strike

Hundreds of parents signed a letter demanding that Carcroft Primary School in Doncaster pay a £60 fine per child after it was forced to close on Wednesday because of industrial action.

Parents say they are annoyed that they face a £60 daily fine if they take their child out of lessons during term time – but the school is able to close due to strike action and teacher training days.

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “It is double standards, they’re quite happy to send us find if a child misses a day of school but it’s different story when they decide to close school.

“It’s not fair why should we be expected to pay fines but they can close the school for teacher training days and strikes whenever they feel like it?

Acting headteacher Emily Clark said: “I would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused the parents but there is no legal mechanism for parents to fine the school over a strike.

“I am unable to change this decision by staff members and have put the safety of children first.”