Schools in Hounslow will be impacted by the national teachers strike, which begins next week, and could mean some schools are closed. 

The National Education Union announced strike action earlier this month over pay issues, and this will mean that some schools in Hounslow will have to be closed. 

The first strike day is on Wednesday 1st February, before three more days in March on Thursday 2nd March, Wednesday 15th March, and Thursday 16th March. 

Hounslow Council wrote in a statement on their website: "Headteachers will have undertaken risk assessments to determine what education provision the school can deliver whilst safeguarding the health and safety of children and staff. 

"Each school is affected differently by the strike action as this depends on the number of staff who are members of the NEU and the number of members who decide to strike on the dates above.  

"As well as other factors which might contribute to fewer members of staff available to work on the day's strikes will be held such as staff illness. 

"In cases where schools can remain partially open, Headteachers will prioritise attendance for exam year groups, vulnerable pupils and children of critical workers in line with the guidance from The Department for Education. 

"Letters have been sent to parents and carers with children registered at schools and academies to notify them of the planned strike action. Schools will send further communication outlining the final arrangements for the days strike action is underway. 

"The Council will continue to work closely with Schools, Chairs of Governing Bodies and Union Representatives to keep up to date with the situation and minimise the disruption to learning as much as possible." 

Even with schools having to close, the council have confirmed that food vouchers of £3 per day will be given to parents with children eligible via benefits for free school meals.