Staff warn vulnerable children are ‘suffering’ as strikes in a Leicester school escalate

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Ongoing strikes at a Leicester school are taking a heavy toll on vulnerable students, staff not on the picket line have warned, claiming that “children are suffering”.

UNISON members from Ash Field Academy, in Evington, rallied outside the Discovery Schools Academy Trust (DSAT) offices on Thursday (June 18), as part of their latest demands to get teaching assistant and trade union representative Tom Barker reinstated at the Special Educational Needs (SEN) school.

Those supporting the industrial action, which has taken place at the SEN school throughout April, May, and June, claim Mr Barker was “victimised” after he was suspended from work in October 2025, just days after helping to organise a ballot over unsafe staffing levels.

DSAT deny the decision is related to Mr Barker’s union work, but almost eight months on, still can’t disclose the nature of the complaint.

On the picket line was Sam Randfield, secretary of UNISON Leicester, who said: “We feel it is an act of blatant trade union victimisation.

“Tom’s been suspended for more than seven months now, with various investigations having taken place. They still haven’t made entirely clear to him what the allegations are against him.

“We understand the concerns, and striking is not something we wanted to do. It’s not something we take lightly. We tried to resolve this situation without resorting to strike action.

“But unfortunately, without a strong union organization in this school, the impact on families and children is likely to be greater because the school will feel empowered to make cuts to their staffing levels.

“All of this can go away tomorrow if they reinstate Tom.”

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Staff lobbying DSAT did not want to share their names, but compared Mr Barker to being a “backbone” for members and that they “don’t feel safe” at work without his support.

One added: “It’s dragged on so long now. He deserves to know what’s going to happen.”

Meanwhile, Ash Field Academy staff who remain at work have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the strikes are having a terrible impact on students, families, and the team’s morale.

A long-standing teaching assistant at the school, who did not wish to be named, said they were “frustrated” that union members were striking despite having no knowledge of the allegations against Mr Barker.

They said: “The strikes are taking such a toll on the children. Children are suffering.

“They can’t stand change of routines at the best of times so now they’re really getting upset, they’re tearful.

“Family members have lost jobs because of the strikes – they say with nobody at school to do the care we can’t send the kids in because we’re worried.

“It’s not a good atmosphere; staff morale is low. We’re so tired because we’re all doing four people’s work.”

A DSAT spokesperson said: “Reports of potential disruption can understandably cause concern for families, particularly given the complex needs of many pupils supported by Ash Field Academy. We remain committed to communicating directly and transparently with parents and carers as soon as confirmed information is available.

“Discovery Schools Academies Trust continues to respect the legal right of staff to take industrial action and remains committed to constructive dialogue with trade union representatives. Our priority throughout remains the safety, wellbeing, and continuity of support for pupils and families at Ash Field Academy.”

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