Teachers across the country are preparing to go on strike next week in a long-running dispute over pay and funding cuts.

The National Education Union (NEU), the union representing teaching staff, is expecting about 900 of its 1,500 Southampton members to join the walkout on February 1.

Industrial action means some schools will be forced to close due to the high number of staff who have chosen to strike.

Others are yet to release details of their plans as it's unclear how many of their staff will take part in the walkout.

Here is what we know so far on the impact the strike will have in Southampton:

READ MORE: Live updates as more school announce strike plans

Which schools will close?

Six schools have informed parents of their decision to close, the Echo understands.

These are Moorlands Primary, Ludlow Junior, Redbridge Primary and Regents Park.

Hollybrook Infant and Junior schools will also close but headteacher Marcella Dobson said "a very small number" of vulnerable children will still be invited to go in alongside children with an Educational Health and Care Plan.

What about other schools?

The majority of schools are still waiting to see what staffing levels will be like on strike days. Some say they might not know until the day itself.

A letter sent to parents explains that this is because unions are not obliged to notify headteachers of which members are striking.

However, the NEU is required by law to provide schools with the number of members set to strike.

Lucy Howe, headteacher of Foxhills Infant and Foxhills Junior schools in Colbury, told parents she can't confirm what classes will be affected, but added: "prepare for the possibility that either or both schools may be closed".

Why are teachers striking?

The dispute revolves around pay (the NEU is asking for a pay rise offer above inflation) but also funding cuts and workloads.

Similarly to nurses, teachers are accusing the government of years of underfunding and pay rises that haven't been keeping up with rising prices.

They are asking for a better deal to address staff shortages in the profession.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article on the Daily Echo. Your support means we can bring you the latest breaking news, exclusive Saints features and coverage - and much more.

Digital subscribers get unrestricted access to all of our stories, our dedicated app including e-version of the newspaper, and an advertising-light website.

If you want all the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox you can join the thousands of subscribers who are signed up to our newsletters.

They include our popular daily morning news briefing, breaking news, crime and court, and Southampton FC bulletins - plus business, heritage and our what's on newsletters.