FURTHER talks are expected to take place between union representatives and education chiefs over the escalating dispute at Cardigan Secondary School.

An inquiry is currently being carried out by Ceredigion County Council into allegations of bullying and harassment at the school, with the investigation due to be completed by the end of this month.

But yesterday 16 teachers, all members of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) staged a one-day strike to air their grievances.

A two-day strike and three-day walk-out are now planned for next month (February 4-5 and February 13-15), with further talks due to take place next week.

Elin Jones, Mid and West Wales AM, wants a quick end to the dispute and is writing to the county council.

She said: "I’m very concerned about the situation at Cardigan School, for both staff and pupils. The Local Education Authority needs to be able to resolve this matter quickly and satisfactorily.”

A statement from Ceredigion County Council said it would be business as usual at the school during the strikes.

It said: “The school wishes to reassure parents and pupils that Ysgol Gyfun Aberteifi will remain open to all pupils, and provisions are in place to ensure that a full programme of meaningful learning will continue to be delivered on all of these dates.

“The school has communicated with parents on this matter.

“The council wishes to continue to negotiate with the NASUWT and reach a resolution on the matters raised. The council has been and is available to negotiate further with the NASUWT.”