More than half the schools in Hackney were closed for one day last week while teachers took to the streets as part of a national demo to protest against pay, working conditions and pensions.
Despite potential disruption for working parents, many families appeared to support the strike and the action taken by Hackney teachers.
Tania James, 46, was at the park with her six year-old son. “My partner’s a teacher and I think they’re completely justified,” she said.
“People think teachers work from nine till three. My partner’s in work by half six and he’s home at half six in the evening. Gove and his gang seem to think that teachers don’t do very much. I’m completely for it.”
Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said that if teaching was not made attractive there would be “huge problems for recruiting and retaining good teachers”.
“Michael Gove has demoralised an entire profession and today’s action is a direct result of his and the Government’s steadfast refusal to accept there are problems that need to be resolved,” she said.
“We urge the Government to set aside their prejudices and talk to the profession for the sake of everyone.”
