Teacher strike looms as dozens of schools could shut this Wednesday

Teachers across the country will be heading out on strike this Wednesday, meaning dozens of schools in Southport and Formby could be closed.

Up to now there has been no confirmation of which schools will be shut or have to turn away year groups, meaning thousands of parents will be left totally in the dark.

Many parents may need to take time off work, or arrange childcare, if their children’s school closes.

Schools should try to stay open, the government says.

However, many are likely to be at least partially closed.

It is head teachers who decide whether to close their school.

Individual teachers don’t have to say if they will strike and there are no rules for when parents must be told about closures.

If a school does open, there are no minimum staffing rules and heads can use agency staff and volunteers to cover classes.

They do not have to stick to the curriculum.