MORE than 70 schools have closed or partially closed today and will do on Wednesday as teaching assistants begin strike action to protest against Durham County Council’s plan to only pay them during term time.

Some teaching assistants claim the deal would see them lose up to 20 per cent of their salary and say it has left them feeling undervalued.

But the council said the status quo is not an option and it faces a substantial risk of equal pay claims so has no choice but to follow other authorities that already pay term time only.

It says more than a year has been spent negotiating with staff and unions.

It has doubled compensation, offered to delay implementing the changes and said recruiting TAs on the new terms, as it has been since June 1, has not been a problem. But whilst two unions agreed to the authority’s final offer it was rejected by Unison and around 40 per cent of the teaching assistant workforce, from Unison and the ATL, voted in favour of strike action.

Margaret Whellans, the council’s corporate director of children and young people's services, said: “The education and wellbeing of our children and young people are our primary concern and we will continue to work closely with headteachers and school governors to help them mitigate the impact of this strike on pupils.”

The following schools have confirmed their timetables will be affected by the industrial action:

The following schools have confirmed their timetables will be affected by the industrial action:

Aclet Close Nursery School (1018) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action

Beamish Primary School (2205) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Nursery and Reception classes closed for both days. Saturn class closed on Wednesday afternoon. All other classes open as usual. Due to Teaching Assistant Industrial Action

Benfieldside Primary School (2749) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Closed to all classes except 3,4 and 9 due to Industrial action by Teaching Assistants

Bishop Ian Ramsey CofE Primary School (3411) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants

Bloemfontein Primary School (2233) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

Bowburn Infant and Nursery School (2389) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Due to Industrial action by teaching assistants part of the nursery will be closed (to 21 children). The school will be open as normal.

Brandon Primary School (3525) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

Broom Cottages Primary School (2400) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants.

Bullion Lane Primary School (2745) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Teaching Assistants Industrial Action. Nursery and Reception classes will be closed Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November. Lumley and Riverside classes will be closed on Wednesday 9th November. All other classes will remain open as usual.

Burnside Primary School (2232) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by teaching assistants

Cassop Primary School (2362) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Afternoon). Reason for closure: Industrial action - SCHOOL WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO NOTIFIED PUPILS.

Chilton Primary School (2002) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action - Reception to Y6 open as normal 8th and 9th November - Morning and afternoon nursery are closed for these days

Cockfield Primary School (2440) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: PARTIAL CLOSURE. Nursery will be closed due to Industrial Action taken by teaching assistants. Years R to 6 will remain open.

Cockton Hill Junior School (2433) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

Collierley Primary School (2208) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by Teaching Assistants. Nursery & Reception classes will be closed all day Tuesday and Wednesday. Y3 will be closed Tuesday PM. Y1 will be closed all day Wednesday

Consett Junior School (2277) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: School will be closed because of Industrial Action on Tuesday 8th November and Wednesday 9th November. The school will reopen on Thursday 10th November.

Croft Community School (7013) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action

Delves Lane Primary School (2272) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Afternoon). Reason for closure: The school will close on Tuesday 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Wednesday 9 November 2016 at 12.30pm for classes 4, 8 & 9 only. Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants.

Durham Trinity School and Sports College (7032) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

East Stanley School (2217) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

East Stanley School (2217) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

East Stanley School (2217) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

Ebchester CofE Primary School (3063) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by Teaching Assistants

Edmondsley Primary School (2105) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: PARTIAL CLOSURE. NURSERY AND RECEPTION CLASS WILL CLOSE DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION. YEARS 1 TO 6 WILL REMAIN OPEN.

Escomb Primary School (2417) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Unison Industrial Action. Partial Closure: Reception Class and Year 1. There will be no Breakfast Club.

Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School (3406) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

Etherley Lane Nursery School (1024) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Due to industrial action

Evergreen Primary School (7034) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants.

Ferryhill Station Primary School (2368) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Afternoon). Reason for closure: SCHOOL OPEN AS NORMAL. However, Nursery & Rising 3s provision closed due to Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants.

Fishburn Primary School (2399) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Teaching assistant industrial action. THIS IS A PARTIAL CLOSURE, NURSERY AM AND NURSERY PM CLASSES ONLY. OTHER CLASSES WILL RUN AS NORMAL, BUT WITHOUT THE USUAL SUPPORT.

Frosterley Primary School (2319) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: ONLY TO TWO AND THREE YEARS OLD PROVISON DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Green Lane CE Controlled Primary School (3121) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants - Partial closure only EYFS Closed; Years 1 to 6 open as usual

Greenland Community Primary School (3526) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action

Greenland Community Primary School (3526) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action

Hartside Primary School (2310) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Nursery Only - Due to industrial action being taken by Teaching Assistants

Howden-le-Wear Primary School (2318) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: The school will be closed to YEAR 1/2 PUPIL ONLY on Wednesday afternoon. The school is OPEN to all other pupils on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November. Year 1/2 children can be collected from the main entrance at 12.45pm on Wednesday. School reopens for all pupils again on Thursday 10th November.

Howletch Lane Primary School (2734) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants.

King Street Primary School (2750) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Our EYFS setting will close while all other year groups remain open.

Lanchester Endowed Parochial Primary School (3213) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Due to the Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants the Nursery will be closed on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November 2016. The rest of the school will be open as normal.

Langley Moor Nursery School (1025) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Partially closed to notified pupils due to Industrial action by Teaching Assistants

Laurel Avenue Primary School (2499) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants. Only Nursery will be closed Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November. All of school will be open as normal - Reception to Year 6.

Leadgate Primary School (2259) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

Ludworth Primary School (2472) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistant. Nursery and 2-year provision will be closed. All other classes remain open as usual.

Lumley Infant and Nursery School (2108) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: The NURSERY UNIT ONLY will be closed on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November due to industrial action. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will remain OPEN.

Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School (2430) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: The nursery will close on Tuesday 8th November 2016 and will reopen on Thursday 10th November 2016. The rest of the school is open. Reason for Closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants.

Newker Primary School (2943) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: of Industrial Action by teaching assistants to Nursery, Reception on both days, classes 3RY 4P and 4L on Tuesday afternoon and classes 1B 5I and 5F Wednesday afternoon. It will be open to all other pupils.

Newton Hall Infants' School (2488) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: School is closed for Reception classes and open for Years 1 and 2. Reason for partial closure: industrial action by teaching assistants.

Oakley Cross Primary School (2330) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants. PARTIAL CLOSURE: No breakfast club on Tuesday 8th or Wednesday 9th November. Nursery will be closed on both days. All other classes are open.

Our Lady of the Rosary RCVA Primary School (3510) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants.

Ouston Primary School (2136) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: “Industrial action by Teaching Assistants” SCHOOL IS OPEN AS NORMAL TO ALL CLASSES - EXCEPT FOR RECEPTION CHILDREN. THEIR CLASS WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ONLY FROM 1PM

Oxclose Primary School (2394) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Partial closure due to Teaching Assistant industrial action. Closed to RB and RS both days. Closed to 3/4TH and 3/4C on Tuesday pm only.

Oxhill Nursery School (1014) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action

Peases West Primary School (2311) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants. Partially open: No 2year old provision on Tues and Wed. No lunchtime provision from 12pm - 1pm on both days. Class 1 and Class 2 close at 12pm on Tues. Nursery open morning only on Wed. Class 1 open on Wed afternoon only.

Pelton Community Primary School (2005) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Teaching Assistant Industrial Action. All classes are open except: Nursery and Reception on both days, Miss Jones' class on Tuesday afternoon, Mrs Rafferty and Miss Taylor's classes on Wednesday afternoon.

Roseberry Primary School (2744) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by the teaching assistants. Only 3 year old nursery and years 3, 4 & 5 are affected

Roseberry Primary School (2744) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by the teaching assistants. Only 3 year old nursery and years 3, 4 & 5 are affected

Roseberry Primary School (2744) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by the teaching assistants. Only 3 year old nursery and years 3, 4 & 5 are affected

Rosemary Lane Nursery School (1038) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by teaching assistants

Seaham Harbour Nursery (1023) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants. Main nursery and Early Learners will be closed.

Seaham Trinity Primary School (3524) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Nursery & Reception only will close due to Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants.

Seaview Primary (3520) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Partial closure due to Teaching Assistants Industrial Action. School will be open for all children in Year 5 and Year 6.

Seaview Primary (3520) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Partial closure due to Teaching Assistants Industrial Action. School will be open for all children in Year 5 and Year 6.

Shotley Bridge Primary School (2257) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action. SCHOOL WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO NOTIFIED PUPILS.

South Stanley Infant School (2225) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

South Stanley Junior School (2226) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action

St Cuthbert's RCVA Primary School (Chester-le-Street) (3343) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Closed for Reception Class only due to Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants. Open for Y1 - Y6 inclusive.

St Cuthbert's RCVA Primary School (Seaham) (3300) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action. School is closed to RECEPTION CLASS CHILDREN ONLY for health and safety reasons.

St Godric's RCVA Primary School Thornley (3502) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: School will be closed to CLASS 1 CHILDREN ONLY due to industrial action by teaching assistants

St Joseph's RCVA Primary School (Stanley) (3381) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action (classroom based support staff)

St Joseph's RCVA Primary School (Stanley) (3381) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Afternoon only) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: ONLY CLOSED TO Y3 AND Y4: Industrial Action (classroom based support staff)

St Mary Magdelen RCVA Primary School (3301) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants

St Mary Magdelen RCVA Primary School (3301) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants

St Mary's RCVA Primary School (Southmoor) (3384) The school will close on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 (Morning) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Support Staff Industrial Action. CLASS 4 CLOSED IN THE MORNING ONLY. CLASS 3 CLOSED IN THE AFTERNOON. ALL OTHER CLASSES OPEN AS NORMAL.

St Mary's RCVA Primary School Wingate (3505) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: The school will be closed to RECEPTION CHILDREN ONLY on Tuesday 8th & Wednesday 9th November. It is open for all other year groups. The school will also close at 1.30om to all children on Tuesday 8th November only. This is due to health & safety reasons during the teaching assistants' strike.

St Patrick's RCVA Primary School (Consett) (3404) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by Teaching Assistants. School closed to Nursery & Reception both days, Y4 & Y5 (Miss Filipe's class only) Tuesday 8th PM only and Y3 & Y5 Wednesday 9th PM only

Sugar Hill Primary School (2743) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Nursery and Reception only will close due to support staff strike

Tanfield Lea Community Primary School (3522) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

The Oaks Secondary School (7033) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by Teaching Assistants.

The Sacriston Primary School (2123) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants

Thornley Primary School (2523) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Teaching Assistants Industrial Action. Please note that only the nursery will be closed on both days. Years 2 and 3 will close from 1pm on Tuesday 8th November only. All other classes remain open.

Toft Hill Primary School (2426) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: PARTIAL CLOSURE. Reception class will be closed due to Industrial Action taken by teaching assistants. Years 1 to 6 will remain open.

Tudhoe Moor Nursery School (1040) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action

Walworth School (7014) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial strike action (Teaching Assistants).

Westlea Primary School (2043) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action

Wingate Nursery School (1016) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Nursery Nurses

Witton Gilbert Primary School (2462) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial action by teaching assistants

Woodham Burn Community Primary School (3518) The school will close on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 (All day) and re-open on Thursday, 10 November 2016 (Morning). Reason for closure: Industrial Action by Teaching Assistants on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November.