SCHOOLS across East Lancashire could close as NUT members are joined by support staff.

Administrators, caretakers, catering staff and teaching assistants belonging to Unison are poised to walk out alongside teachers on July 10.

Lancashire’s NUT representative Simon Jones said backing from their non- teacher colleagues could see even more schools close than during previous strike action in March.

Mr Jones said: “The last time we took strike action, it saw most of the schools in the area close. With support staff joining us the effect can only be greater.

“In many cases it will be contrary to safety regulations for schools to open without support staff.

“This action is the responsibility of a government which is refusing point blank to accept the damage their reforms are doing to schools.

“Strike action is a last resort for all staff members and we deeply regret the disruption it causes parents and pupils, although we have chosen dates which cause minimum disruption to examinations.”

Members of the NASUWT teaching union have not yet announced any strike action but say they are still negotiating with the Department for Education.

Claire Ward, from the NASUWT, said: “However we have not ruled it out and will need to see meaningful participation.”

Lancashire County Council has set up a dedicated web page for school closures due to industrial action.

However the education authority urged parents to check with schools.

The council has not yet had any news of closures in East Lancashire schools.