Honiton Community College and Seaton and Whimple primary schools will be affected by the industrial action by members of the National Education Union on Wednesday, February 1.

Seaton Primary will be closed to ‘the vast majority of children’, Honiton Community College will be partially closed, and Whimple Primary will be closed altogether for the day.

In a newsletter to parents of pupils at Whimple Primary, headteacher Mrs Carole Shilston said: “I know that some of you will possibly find this an inconvenience, however, like many other public sectors employees, teachers aren’t striking because they don’t care about education of the children they teach. They’re striking because they do. It is also about supporting adequate funding for schools and the services they provide.”

The NEU is demanding a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise for teachers and support staff, and effective action on pay for supply and other educators.

The industrial action is a mixture of national and regional walk-outs. February 1 sees a national strike across England and Wales. The next regional strike in the South West is planned for Wednesday, March 2.

Further national strikes are planned for England and Wales on Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday 16 if a pay deal has not been reached by that time. Headteachers will be informing parents about any closures nearer the time.

A full list of school closures in Devon can be found on Devon County Council’s website.