Dozens of teachers have gone on strike today to protest against pupil threats and violence at a secondary school.

Staff are on the picket line outside both Oasis Academy sites on the Isle of Sheppey this morning amid claims their safety is being put at risk by ongoing behaviour issues.

It is believed to be the first time in Kent that staff from the National Education Union (NEU) have taken a stand over behavioural issues.

Previously, a number of strikes were held across the country due to pay and working conditions.

Today’s protest has been called after negotiations over the safe management of poor pupil behaviour and staff and pupil safety failed to meet member demands.

Dozens of educators formed picket lines outside both school sites from 7.30am.

As a result, Marine Parade, Sheerness and Minster Road, Minster, campuses are closed today – with all year groups required to work from home.

Teachers have been calling for fixed exclusion tariffs of 10 days for assaults or threats of assaults against staff and pupils following numerous incidences of pupil threats and violence.

Speaking from the picket line this morning, Tim Dams, regional development officer at the south east regional office of the NEU, said: "The workplace isn't safe. Our members are at risk. Employers have a duty of care to their employees so that the workplace is a safe environment. Unfortunately, behaviour levels have got so poor in this school, that the real issue is the employer doesn't have a grip of the situation.

"We've had no other option than to strike. Oasis have known about this problem for months. It's been an ongoing issue. We've negotiated with them but the situation is not improving.

"Obviously we want children to get an education. We want this issue resolved so our members can be safe in the working environment and so other pupils can be safe, because it's not all pupils who are engaged in these behavioural issues."

The NEU says there were also disputes over workload and a promised bonus payment, which were largely addressed during negotiations.

However, concerns over safety in the face of “widespread and deteriorating behaviour” still remain unresolved.

Parents and carers were sent a “pre-warning” letter on Monday (November 20) and a second was sent out at 4pm yesterday.

The school says online resources are available for students, which can be accessed through the academy website from 8am.

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

It was then confirmed both sites would be transferred to the Leigh and EKC Schools Academy Trusts in September next year.

Nick Childs, senior regional officer for the NEU, said: “It is regrettable that strike action has been unavoidable.

“The Oasis Trust have been aware of staff safety concerns for many months and the union has been clear about the decisive action required to address the unacceptable working and learning environment.

“Whilst some progress has been made in negotiations in recent days this is too little, too late for our members.

“Behaviour at the school is currently completely unacceptable. Lessons are regularly disturbed and staff safety and well-being put at risk.

“A zero-tolerance approach must be introduced including a fixed exclusion tariff for assaults and threats of violence against staff and pupils.

“School should be a safe space for learning and until this is the case at Oasis Sheppey Academy our dispute shall remain unresolved”.

An Oasis Academy spokesman said: “Providing a high-quality education for every student is always our top priority, and during this industrial action we will be offering online study materials to all students to minimise the disruption.

“We will also be offering on campus support to students with specific needs.

“Whilst this is a scenario that nobody wants, we have had positive discussions with the union, and we are confident that we have made significant progress.

“We remain committed to working positively with staff representatives to try and avoid any future disruption, and to ensure that Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is a school where everybody can thrive."

Further days of strike action have also been scheduled for next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 28 and 29 and for December 5, 6, 7.