Primary school teachers go on strike after pupils kick and bite staff and bring knives into the classroom
Teachers from two primary schools have begun strike action after pupils kicked and bit staff and brought knives into the classroom, raising serious fears for safety.
By DAVID OLASEINDE
Published: 12:08 GMT, 7 January 2026 | Updated: 18:44 GMT, 7 January 2026
Teachers from two primary schools have begun strike action after pupils kicked and bit staff and brought knives into the classroom.
Staff at Lily Lane Primary School and Ravensfield Primary School in Manchester say they have been physically attacked and some pupils are too scared to attend class.
Teachers also say there have been instances of pupils being hit, kicked and even spat at.
Both schools are part of the Changing Lives in Collaboration Trust (CLiC) and following the announcement of strike action, the trust said the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff was its 'highest priority'.
The trust said teachers were 'suffering high levels of stress and anxiety which are affecting their entire lives'.
Staff at Lily Lane Primary School (pictured) and Ravensfield Primary School in Manchester claim that teachers have been physically attacked and some pupils are now too afraid to attend
Rachel Knight and Jac Casson, National Executive Members for Greater Manchester, said: 'Working conditions at these CLiC Trust schools are devastating the teachers. They are desperate for change. Alongside their physical injuries, teachers are suffering high levels of stress and anxiety which are affecting their entire lives.
'All they want is to go to work in a safe environment and to be able to keep their pupils safe.'
CLiC said it was 'disappointed' to see the walkout 'so soon after the ballot without adequate opportunity to respond to members' concerns'.
Picket lines at both schools are due to take place at 8.45am on January 7 and 8. Both schools will remain open during industrial action.
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of NASUWT - The Teachers' Union, said: 'This strike represents an unprecedented event for our union: two primary schools from the same academy trust taking action over worryingly similar concerns. It is fair to say that this strike constitutes a declaration of emergency from the teachers. The health and safety of everyone at these schools is at risk.'
Leaders at the trust say they are keen to work with NASUWT and respect the right of its members to take action. But added that the union chose not to accept a 'collective conciliation'.
Strike action at Lily Lane Primary School and Ravensfield Primary School is planned for January 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.
Jo Ashcroft, CEO of CLiC Trust said: 'The safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff in all our schools is of the very highest priority to us and we work closely with every one of our schools to ensure they maintain the very highest safeguarding standards at all times.
'We also support our schools to ensure the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs are fully met.