At least 15 East Hampshire schools were affected by the National Education Union teachers’ strike on February 1.

None of them were shut, although several came close to it. Clanfield Junior School, Petersgate Infant School in Petersfield and Horndean Infant School only opened their doors to children whose places for the day were guaranteed in advance for a variety of reasons.

At Robert May’s School in Odiham, Perins School in Alresford and The Petersfield School only Year 11 pupils four months away from their examinations attended normally. At Crondall Primary School only Year 4 was open as usual.

Other schools were open to more than just a single year group. Nine staff from Eggar’s School in Alton were on strike and Year 9 pupils worked at home. Year 6 was closed at Steep CE Voluntary Controlled Primary School, and Years 1 and 2 were shut at Rowlands Castle St John’s CE Controlled Primary School. Key Stage 1 opened as normal at The Butts Primary School in Alton. At Liphook CE Controlled Junior School two classes went home at 1.20pm.

Wootey Junior School in Alton, Hollywater School in Bordon and East Meon CE Controlled Primary School all informed Hampshire County Council that they would be affected by the strike.

They did not put full details on the council’s emergency closures list but parents were informed in advance.

Amery Hill School in Alton avoided disruption because the strike coincided with an INSET – in-service training – day for staff it had arranged last June, so no pupils were due to be present.

The council left it to headteachers to decide whether to open, close or partially close their schools. Executive member for education Cllr Steve Forster said: “I would highlight that the National Education Union’s dispute is not with the local authority but with the government regarding pay.

“Our primary concern is for the welfare and education of children and young people, and we hope that a suitable resolution can be agreed to prevent any further disruption to their learning, as well as to wider services which will undoubtedly be affected with parents and carers needing to stay at home to look after children.”