Teacher dispute won't affect first day of school

The ongoing pay dispute between primary school headteachers and the Department of Education, Sport & Culture won't affect when pupils return to school.

That's according to government officials after the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) union members confirmedthey will take action short of a strike from next Tuesday (September 3).

However, schools will open as normal the on September 4 and teachers have been written to explaining what impact the action could have on them.

Both the union and department have already stated they remain open to further talks to resolve the issue.