Dagenham teachers strike over schools merger

The merger of two schools in Dagenham - Village Infants School and William Ford Church of England Junior School - could be challenged in the courts.

They will become a voluntary aided CofE primary from September which, the council says, will benefit pupils but a majority of parents, teachers and governors at both schools oppose the move. Village Infants staff fear the criteria for admissions could be changed to favour Christian pupils.

BBC London's Marc Ashdown speaks to teacher Yolanda Cattle, Village Infants School head Heather Douglas, Stephen Evans of the National Secular Society and Tim Harrison of the National Union of Teachers.