Last updated 11:40, Thursday, 24 April 2008

There are bound to be plenty of children across the county enjoying a ‘bonus’ day off today as teachers strike over their pay claim.

But it will cause headaches and extra expense for parents who are forced to arrange extra child care provision, while some members of staff will feel uneasy about being away from the classroom.

Teacher’s union the NUT says members want to show the Government that “enough is enough” following a series of below-inflation pay increases.

Some may point out that teachers get plenty of holidays and are one of the few professions to be guaranteed a pension at the end of their career.

But whether they teach in towns or the countryside, they are having to deal with increasingly complex issues with the children – and their parents.

We need to provide the pay to attract the best people to nurture our children.

We have a history of underpaying and undervaluing the work done by our ‘blue light’ workers and teachers.

And the News & Star Streetwise poll of public opinion in the county earlier this week almost unanimously backed the staff in their action.

But strikes can drag on, and public support can swiftly evaporate.

Surely neither side wants our youngsters to pay the highest price for this dispute. As we rapidly approach the exams season, both sides need to reach a conclusion quickly.