Staff members at a school for children with special needs downed tools yesterday over safety issues.

The staff at Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy wrote to parents yesterday morning saying incidents beyond their control were putting children and staff at risk.

They urged parents to call on the Ministry of Education to provide necessary resources to address the problem.

A parent of a child attending the school complained that they had no warning that the school would be closed and had to drop all commitments to collect them.

Diallo Rabain, the education minister, confirmed the industrial action by teachers, but said: “Ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff is our top priority and we work to address such situations swiftly and effectively.”

He added: “While this action and the reasons for it were not communicated to the school or ministry leadership in advance, safety concerns have been brought to our attention today and these will be addressed.

“The lack of notice to parents regarding today's events is concerning and we apologise for any hardship this may have caused.

“We shall be working with the teachers at the school and their union representatives to improve internal and external communications and any unauthorised actions are being reviewed in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, as it is vital that proper procedures are followed.”

Correspondence from school staff to parents, seen by The Royal Gazette, said: “We, the staff of DMBHA, are writing to formally inform you that, due to the severity of recent incidents beyond our control, which directly impact the safety of both your children and staff, we are compelled to down tools.

“We kindly request your support in urging the ministry to take immediate action in providing the necessary resources to ensure a safe environment where effective learning and engagement can resume.

“Your co-operation and understanding during this critical time are greatly appreciated.”

The parent told the Gazette: “The teachers downed tools and kicked all the students out without warning. It is very concerning for us as parents.

“We have a letter saying it is for safety but it is out of the blue. I dashed over to get my child. There has been no word from the ministry.

“I am guessing they needed more para teacher support.

“They want our parental support but are leveraging our children and our work hours for some unknown union issue and they imply it has been ongoing. Have they been exposing our kids to an unknown threat without telling us parents? That is not acceptable.

“We like the teachers and want to support them but this just causes stress and we are at maximum stress 24/7 already.”

The parent said there were approximately 20 children attending the school and that care for some could be more labour-intensive than for children in mainstream schools.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers did not respond to questions and the school declined to comment.