Thousands of children face being turned away from schools across the Bradford district this week as teaching staff take part in mass strikes in protest at pension reforms and cut backs.

Letters have started going out to parents to inform them of the disruption caused by the strike action being taken by teaching unions the NUT and NASUWT, as well as the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT).

Already 50 primary, infant, junior, secondary and special schools have confirmed they will be either fully or partially shut for the day on Wednesday.

The walk-out is set to cause widespread chaos across the district but union leaders have defended the move.

Mum-of-three Mairead Farndale, of Cheltenham Road, Wrose, said the strike would cause huge disruption.

Her 15-year-old daughter Danielle, who attends Hanson Academy in Sutton Avenue, was given notice over a week ago that staff would be on strike.

Her seven-year-old son, who attends St Walburgha’s primary school, Shipley, and five-year-old daughter will also be staying at home on Wednesday.

However, Mrs Farndale said: “I’m 100 per cent behind what teachers and others in the public sector are doing.

“It is disruptive but that just shows how valuable the teachers are.”

John Howarth, Bradford branch secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said he expected the “vast majority” of schools to close across the city with thousands of teachers taking part in the action.

Tony Reeves, Bradford Council chief executive, said: “Ten recognised trade unions have informed the Council that their members have voted to take strike action on November 30.

“At the moment we cannot predict what impact this will have on services and we are unlikely to have a clear picture before the day of the proposed strike.

“This is a national issue and we will do everything we can to ensure that the impact on the most vulnerable people is minimised and essential services are maintained. We will work to keep residents informed as much as we can.”