About this departmental advice

This is advice from the Department. It is non-statutory, but contains references to statutory advice and legislation. It has been produced to help school leaders prepare in the event of industrial action.

Expiry/review date

This document clarifies a number of issues that were raised by schools after the strike on 30 June 2011 and was updated in November 2011. 
It will be reviewed if and when industrial action occurs and updated when necessary.

Who is this advice for?

This advice is primarily for:

  • headteachers; and 
  • governing bodies in maintained schools and academies.

It may also be useful for:

  • school staff;
  • local authorities; and
  • parents.

Key points

This advice clarifies the position on:

  • who is responsible for making the decision to close the school;
  • the health and safety implications;
  • staff deployment and the use of volunteers in the event of industrial action;
  • employing individuals to provide cover in the event of industrial action;
  • infant class size limits and delivering the national curriculum in the event of industrial action;
  • insurance;
  • recording pupil attendance if the school is closed;
  • transferring control of the premises to a third party; and
  • a summary of the law in relation to industrial action.