HUNDREDS of teachers were today staging a major rally in Southampton as part of their day of strike action.

Meanwhile thousands of children were missing out on lessons and parents left to organise childcare arrangements with 85 schools across Hampshire and Southampton hit by the industrial action.

Among Hampshire's 540 schools, 18 were today closed and 31 were partially closed while across Southampton's 81 schools, 16 were closed and 20 were partially shut.

Striking staff belonging to the National Union of Teachers were taking action in protest at the Government's announcement of a 2.45 per cent pay rise this year, followed by a 2.3 per cent rise in 2009 and 2010.

It is understood that non NUT members will be expected to go into work, even if their school is closed to pupils.

The average classroom teacher currently begins on an annual pay packet of £20,627 rising to £34,000 a year, although staff with extra responsibilities and senior staff can earn much more.

Pete Sopowski, of Southampton Teachers' Association and the National Union of Teachers, said he was expecting hundreds of teachers to attend today's rally outside the civic centre at 12.30pm.

He said: "I am pleased that they are supporting their union's calls for a pay review when the Government has not been listening.

"It is in the interests of all children and schools for teachers to be paid properly."

Mr Sopowski said that there had already been a "marked decline" in the number of young graduates enrolling on teacher training courses.

Lecturers from Southampton City College, Brockenhurst College, Sparsholt College, Fareham College and Eastleigh College will also take part in the day of action.

They belong to the University and College Union and will stage picket lines outside colleges throughout this morning and join the teachers' rally as part of their protest over pay and conditions.

The union has submitted a pay claim for a six per cent increase or £1,500, whichever is the greater.

Ian McCann, the union's Southampton branch secretary said: "We are striking to get a fair reward for the work we do."

Commenting on the Brockenhurst College strike action regional union official Mary Cooper said: "The employers need to engage in meaningful negotiations on pay this year so that lecturers do not suffer from further cuts in their living standards."