Representatives of teachers who went on strike over violent abuse from pupils will be meeting with a school trust to try and come to an agreement over behaviour measures.

National Education Union (NEU) staff at Oasis Academy on the Isle of Sheppey have confirmed discussions will take place tomorrow.

Dozens of teachers went on strike yesterday amid claims their safety is being put at risk by a lack of action against violence from the children.

Staff took to the picket line outside both sites in Minster Road and Marine Parade in the morning – forcing the school to close in the process.

One teacher told KentOnline they face daily abuse, including racial slurs and threats of violence, sexual assault and death.

“Members of staff are off with stress because they've been physically assaulted,” she said.

“We have the n-word used on a regular basis to our black teachers. We have chairs thrown.

“I myself have been threatened with death on numerous occasions.

“A particular student told me he was going to cut my throat. Teachers have been pushed and shoved.”

They are calling for fixed exclusion tariffs of 10 days for assaults or threats of assaults against staff and pupils.

During previous negotiations, there were disputes over workload and a promised bonus payment, but concerns about safety in the face of widespread and deteriorating behaviour remained unresolved.

Oasis Community Learning Trust, which runs the Oasis Academy, said it would be pulling out of the school in February.

They will make way for Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) and EKC Schools Trust, who announced plans earlier this year to run two new schools on the Island.

Leigh Academy Minster say they are “deeply concerned” in a statement issued about the threats of violence against staff.

“Behaviour like this has no place in any educational setting and it is important that swift measures are put in place to improve safety for all,” it said.

“We want to assure our community that when Leigh Academy Minster opens in September 2024 a warm, strict behaviour policy will be implemented to ensure disruption-free learning.

“This policy will be rooted in a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying, violence, and intimidation, with clear consequences for anyone who breaches this policy.”

Continued protests have been scheduled for next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as December 5, 6, 7.

The National Education Union (NEU) confirmed they will be meeting with the Oasis Trust on Friday to try and avert further strike action.

Regional secretary Maria Fawcett said: “Educators and pupils have a right, first and foremost to be safe at school.

“Effective behaviour management in the classroom is essential for a good learning environment.

“Sadly, our members feel that this is not currently the case at Oasis Sheppey Academy despite some progress in negotiations being made in recent days.

“Further days of action have been scheduled for next week and we are meeting the trust on Friday to try and resolve the situation.

“Critical to the resolution of the dispute will be the acceptance, by the employer, that there needs to be a zero tolerance approach to assaults and threats of assaults against pupils and teachers.”