TEACHERS in Powys are staging a one-day strike on Thursday - with a number of schools already confirming they will be forced to close.

The strike, called by the NUT teaching union, will hit both secondary and primary schools.

Some schools will only be partially open and parents have been told to keep their children at home if their classes are not open.

Dee Hanson, the NUT’s Powys division secretary, said: "Teachers in Powys are angry that children’s education is being undermined by cuts and that excessive workload and accountability is gradually hampering teacher creativity and draining morale."

The NUT said it balloted members on taking one day strike action to protest against what they say is an "excessive workload" and cuts to education funding in Powys.

It says teachers feel they are being forced to collect unnecessary data on pupils.

Powys council has said it is "surprised and disappointed" teachers are striking in the run up to exams.

NUT members are due to march from Llandrindod High School to County Hall at 10am and they will hold a rally open to the public at the town’s Pavilion afterwards.

The union is also holing a question time event with candidates standing for the Welsh Assembly in the Brecon and Radnor constituency on Thursday at 7pm at the Pavilion.

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