Strike action looming at Future Academies school, despite recent praise for the Nashes’ ever-contentious chain by Labour’s Lord Adonis in House of Lords

A primary school run by one of England’s most well-connected academy trusts is facing possible strike action next term, after its teachers raised a host of concerns with governors including their work’s effects on their mental health.

All 13 members of the National Education Union at Churchill Gardens Primary Academy in Pimlico, central London, have backed an indicative ballot on industrial action, to take place in September, the focus of which is workload and what members argue are unacceptable management practices, which endanger staff mental health.

The controversy is the latest in a long line of issues to emerge in recent years within the London schools of the 10-academy chain, which was founded and is still controlled by Lord John Nash, the Conservative donor and former academies minister, and his wife, Lady Caroline Nash.

The development comes with NEU members at Churchill Gardens – which, I understand, constitutes most teachers- having this month sent a letter to governors warning of what they say are “serious failings” of management at the trust.

Although the staff have complete confidence in the headteacher, Liane Tylee, they have expressed concerns about more senior management. In autumn last year, their letter warns, “numerous members of staff” had said that they were seriously struggling with their mental health, with the letter arguing that workload, performance management and the trust’s approach to special educational needs formed the backdrop. But there had been no action from the trust, said the letter.