It follows as members of the National Education Union (NEU) at Duke of Lancaster School went on strike today (February 24).

More than 30 teachers, teaching assistants and union representatives were seen outside the school's grounds.

It is a special school for children and young people aged five to 16 with communication and interaction difficulties.

As they went on strike, staff spoke about the violence they faced at the school.

More than 30 teachers, teaching assistants, and union representatives were at the scene. (Image: Newsquest)

An English teacher at the scene, who asked to remain anonymous, said the strike was out of "desperation" and that the school was "at a crisis point".

They added: “For a year and a half, we have voiced our concerns. We have been ignored and had false promises made.

“We take the step of going on strike very seriously. We don’t believe we have any other choice. It is a symptom of what’s happening, not a cause.”

Another teacher said: "We don't feel safe. The attacks are recurring and the teachers are just fed up. We feel we are not being supported at all.

"We have to stand for each support each other and the students who come first, but it’s difficult to support them when staff are not getting it".

A picket on the ground, calling for better protection for staff. (Image: Newsquest)

The school caters for up to 100 pupils and is run by the Eastern Education Group (EEG), which has come under fire over failings in dealing with the health and safety of youngsters and staff.

One female teacher was left wheelchair bound after an assault by a pupil and was told they might not walk again.

Another said they had been "thumped and kicked" and had chairs thrown at them by pupils, adding that it was "a recurring pattern" and that the school was "not consistent" when it came to reporting incidents.

A teaching assistant, who chose to remain anonymous, said they had been "punched in the face", received damage to their eyes, and that the children received "no consequences".

A sign saying 'No more empty promises' (Image: Newsquest)

Picket signs and posters were seen outside the school grounds, with statements such as "Don't work to be put in a wheelchair" and "We understand behaviour, We still deserve protection".

Previous concerns had been raised by staff regarding a culture of impunity at the school, saying that children were left to run riot and that there was a "genuine sense of fear" among teachers about coming into work.

Laura Anthony, a teaching assistant, said: "I've had my fair share of injuries, I've had three hospital visits, so this is a movement I'm really passionate about.

"This has the potential to be a cracking school, but unless staff are looked after by management, this will continue to happen".

The school has come under fire over failings in health and safety dealings for staff and students (Image: Newsquest)

Lorraine Anthony, who previously worked as an employment agency officer at the school before leaving last September, said the school had "a cavalier attitude" towards duty of care.

She added: "I've locked myself in the toilets to avoid situations. I've witnessed one member of staff being beaten like hooligans at a football match.

"There's no responsibility. When it's brought to them, they just say 'we're hear what you're saying'. It just feels like everything is channelled".

A spokesman for EEG said that the strike action was "not in the best interests" of children at the school.

Duke of Lancaster School is run by the Eastern Education Group (EEG). (Image: Newsquest)

They added: "Duke of Lancaster Academy (DoL) serves learners with some of the most complex communication, sensory and behavioural needs in the region.

"As is well known, the school had faced significant challenges for several years prior to joining Eastern Education Group, and required urgent, specialist support.

"Since becoming part of the Group in 2024, DoL has seen substantial investment and improvement, including strengthened safeguarding, increased staffing, a new leadership structure, and specialist training for all staff.

"We are working closely with all key stakeholders, including parents, staff, and Norfolk County Council, who visited the school last week, and we continue to keep all relevant partners fully informed".

© Eastern Daily Press