Head teachers have accused Gillian Keegan of “overt hostility” and an attack on democratic freedoms for announcing on Friday that schools will have to provide minimum service levels during strikes.
There have been eight days of strikes this year by teaching unions, leading to disruption for millions of pupils.
The education secretary said on Friday that she had written to unions, announcing that schools in England would have to offer minimum service levels (MSLs) during future strikes, similar to other key public services, such as healthcare and transport.
Keegan wanted it to be reached by agreement but said she would use legislation if necessary. Her letter has gone out on the last day before the half-term holiday for many schools.
