Teachers look set to stop strike action following “a significant agreement” between headteachers and union representatives today.

Representatives of the Haringey Schools Forum and the National Union of Teachers have been locked in meetings for two days discussing a long-running dispute that has seen strikes at two secondary schools.

The NUT was unhappy with headteachers’ refusal to pay into the facilities time fund unless Julie Davies, Haringey NUT secretary, was removed from her post.

The facilities time fund pays for teachers’ union representation.

A letter to Haringey Council, signed by Fortismere headteacher Helen Anthony and Highgate Wood headteacher Patrick Cozier, said Ms Davies worked through "confrontation and obfuscation". 

The NUT argued that Ms Davies had been elected by its members, and should therefore represent them regardless of headteachers' unhappiness.

A carefully worded joint statement from both the NUT and Schools Forum read: “Following productive talks that took place at ACAS headquarters today, between the schools forum and trade union representatives, we are pleased to announce significant agreement has been reached on key points relating to trade union representation and an agreed protocol.

“As a consequence, the NUT has agreed to recommend to members in schools affected by strikes and ballots that these be suspended.

“The representatives of the schools forum have agreed to recommend to that body a funding arrangement which will, if adopted, bring an end to the dispute with recognised trade unions.”

The talks, attended by ACAS, Haringey Council, the NUT, headteachers and governors, were brokered by Tony Hartney, headteacher of Gladesmore School and chairman of the Schools Forum.