HUNDREDS of children across south Essex had the day off school yesterday as teachers went on strike for the first time in 21 years.

Lessons were also disrupted yesterday as schools dealt with the impact of the row over pay.

National Union of Teachers member Nichola Rock, 34, picketed at the front of Chase High School in Westcliff, where she works.

A total of 24 teachers were on strike at the school, which was closed, but Year 11 students were allowed in to do coursework and revision.

Mrs Rock, who is head of department for technology and IT, said: "We had lots of support with people waving and bibbing as they went past the picket.

"It was really refreshing and contrary to what we have seen on the news.

"None of us teachers want to have a detrimental effect on the children and their education.

"We do the job for them and not for the money. We are glad Year 11s were able to go in as they have exams coming up.

"But with teachers not in school and not working, it will have an effect just the same as not having qualified staff or not enough staff.

"To get skilled, qualified staff to come into the profession and stay, you need to pay them a proper salary.

"We are concerned there will be a shortage of teachers as graduates can't afford to come into teaching with huge loans to pay off and poor pay.

"We did this to get the Government to listen and pay attention."

Mrs Rock, who has a ten-year-old son, says the workload, 50-hour weeks and the pressure of meeting Government targets is putting people off applying or remaining in the profession.

Jerry Glazier, general secretary of Essex NUT, said: "The union does not take action lightly. It is over 21 years since the last national pay action.

"The Government must take seriously teachers' concerns about below-inflation pay awards, which are having a negative impact on living standards, motivation and morale."

Essex Chambers of Comm-erce has said the fact teachers are striking is a sign of the underlying economic issues facing us all. Chief executive John Clayton said: "Teachers don't strike lightly.

"It is a symptom and sign that all is not well.

"People are starting to feel more aggrieved when they see bills going up and the pay they are going to get not rising at the rate of inflation."