THE threat of strike action by some teachers at a secondary school where a collegue was assaulted has still not be lifted -- despite an attempt at mediation.

Allan Craig, negotating secretary with the National Association of School Masters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), went into Malling School, East Malling, last month to try and resolve the dispute.

The row erupted in January, after a war of words between two boys caused a tense atmosphere at the school in Beech Road. It came to a head when a teacher trying to restrain one of the pupils suffered minor injuries.

Three boys, two in year 11 and one in year nine, were excluded after the incident but were allowed back into the school by a panel of governors and education authority representatives after an appeal.

But the panel's decision angered many teachers at the school which has a zero tolerance policy on violence.

Mr Craig is now waiting for a vital questionnaire, which must be filled in by the school's head teacher, Margaret Harriott, to be returned. He will then approach NASUWT bosses who will determine if there is a case to answer.

If they decide there is, NASUWT members at the school will be balloted and if most vote for industrial action, strike action will start within 28 days.

Mr Craig said: "Before half term, teachers were pretty steamed up. I do not want to pour water on the fire. My job is to mediate and that's what I'm trying to do. Negotiations are ongoing and there is always the possibility that it may end in some form of industrial action- - it is now at the last step before it goes to my head office."

Meanwhile, a large number of parents are supporting the teaching staff. One, Shelly Baker, of Larkspur Close, East Malling, who has 12-year-old twins at the school, said: "Something should be done. Those pupils should never have been allowed back. I think parents do back the teachers and Mrs Harriott. If you have a problem she'll always sort it out. I'd back her all the way."