CHILDREN across Warrington will see their lessons disrupted next Thursday when teachers in the north west stage their first strike over pay and pensions.

Six schools in Warrington are so far confirmed to be closed on Thursday, June 27, with five schools partially closed.

John Rimmer, national negotiating official for the NASUWT, claims the coalition Government has continued to ignore the mounting dissatisfaction within the teaching industry.

Mr Rimmer said: “Teachers have one of the longest working weeks and is one of the lowest paid professions compared with other European countries. It is disgraceful.”

The strike is part of an ongoing battle with the Government over planned changes to the public sector pensions scheme, which will see teachers work for longer and pay more into their retirement fund.

Morale has continued to drop in the teaching profession with further changes to performance-related pay, ending the existing system based on length of service.

From September 2014, schools will have full freedom to pay the best staff more money and withhold salary rises from the worst performers.

The National Union of Teachers and the NASUWT strongly oppose the change and have fought to resolve the dispute with Education Secretary Michael Gove in a bid to avoid the strike action.

But it has been claimed that Mr Gove has refused to hold serious discussions with both unions.

Mr Rimmer said: “Because the Secretary of State won’t consult with us and ignores our letters, we have been left with no option but to strike. He is destroying the state of education.”

The regional walkout has angered some parents with claims that the strike will cause chaos for families as parents are forced to arrange child care or take a day off work to look after children.

One Warrington mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I think it’s ridiculous and if they want to get the public on side then they are going about it the wrong way.

“I am now left with the option of having to take a day’s holiday or pay an extra £40 for childcare.”

The Department for Education has condemned the strike action with claims that it lacks a proper mandate.

A spokesperson said: "We are very disappointed that the NUT and NASUWT have decided to take strike action, which less than a quarter of teachers actually voted for.

“Industrial action will disrupt pupils' education, hugely inconvenience parents and damage the profession's reputation in the eyes of the public at a time when our reforms are driving up standards across the country.”

The action on Thursday is likely to be followed by a national strike later in the year.