Strike hits hundreds of schools

The teachers' union is asking for a 4% pay rise

Hundreds of schools across the north-east of England were affected by Thursday's teachers' strike.

In some areas up to 70% of schools closed or were only partially open for certain classes or year groups.

Secondary schools in Sunderland were badly hit, with only three out of 17 fully open, and half its primary schools totally closed.

On Tyneside more than 140 schools were affected, and on Teesside more than 120, although not all were closed.

Informed in advance

In County Durham there was disruption at more than 70 schools, and in Northumberland 58 out of 85.

Parents and carers of pupils affected by the action should have been informed in advance by their schools.

Across England and Wales, about one third of schools were hit by the action.

The National Union of Teachers is demanding a 4% pay rise every year until 2010, instead of the 2.4% increase over the same period offered by the government.