Teachers who are part of the National Education Union (NEU) are taking strike action amid a dispute over pay.

Members of the union announced that action would take place across seven days in February and March. 

The largest education union did share that individual schools will only be affected for four days.

With the action announced, many parents are concerned that their children's schools could be shut down due to a lack of teachers. 

To keep parents informed, we've answered all your concerns from if schools are closed to what to do if you need to take the day off work. 

The Northern Echo:

Will schools be shut during teacher strikes?

Although teachers will be striking, schools are unlikely to be shut, however, if you are concerned you can contact your children's school to ask for updates. 

In England, it's up to head teachers. There are no minimum staffing rules.

Headteachers are also responsible in Wales, in consultation with local authorities. 

Can I send my children to school on strike days?

According to the Government website, it's the parent's "legal duty to send your children to school unless they are unwell" unless the school tells you otherwise. 

If my child's school is closed can I take time off work?

For schools which are shut during strikes, you may be worried if you will need to take time off work.

But you are entitled to take reasonable time off work to deal with unexpected problems or emergencies. 

As Citizens Advice says that "dependant leave" is an option that an employer can't refuse. 

You will also not face disciplinary action or lose your job if you have to take unexpected time off for your child's care. 

There is also the option of "parental leave" which is suitable if you have worked in a place for at least a year. 

This option lets you take 18 weeks off before your child turns 18, but your employer can limit this to four weeks off per year. 

Do I still get paid if I have to take time off during teacher strikes? 

If you have to take off during strikes, you will not be paid unless your contract of employment says so. 

You might be able to negotiate a holiday if you still want to be paid however that is down to employee discretion. 

When are the teacher strike dates in England and Wales?

The strikes will begin on February 1 with more than 23,000 schools in England and Wales expected to be affected, the NEU has said.

Here is the full list of proposed strike days are:

  • Wednesday, February 1: all eligible members in England and Wales
  • Tuesday, February, 14: all eligible members in England and Wales
  • Tuesday, February 28: all eligible members in the Northern, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber regions
  • Wednesday, March 1: all eligible members in the East Midlands, West Midlands, and Eastern regions
  • Thursday, March 2: all eligible members in London, South East and South West regions
  • Wednesday, March 15: all eligible members in England and Wales.
  • Thursday, March 16: all eligible members in England and Wales

If you are concerned about your children's school during strikes, you can contact the school or check government websites.