Teachers were out in force today, with dozens of Slough school staff protesting in the hopes of better pay and conditions, with many reporting feeling stretched as cutbacks increase and workloads mount - however it isn't just teachers who are feeling the stretch.

Parents have also shared their grievances with staff shortages and cutbacks impacting upon their children's education.

One mother told the Observer that her daughter felt restricted as to what A-Levels she could take due to concerns about there not being enough teachers in core subjects.

The parent, who wishes not to be named, said: "My daughter has had to suffer constant supply teachers for core subjects such as maths and chemistry.

"She couldn't do the A-Level option she wanted to do as she did not want to then suffer supply teachers at A-Level - so she chose another subject where there were luckily enough teachers.

"That is the future for our children. The lack and quality of teachers is falling. It is really hard to get anybody in a classroom these days.

"The school has told us that they can't recruit and retain. Maths and chemistry teachers in particular go into industry because they can earn a lot more and working conditions are much easier and more pleasant.

"The government best take notice of teachers - they haven't been on strike for a long time."

Slough teachers gathered at The Curve this morning, holding placards and speaking out about how cutbacks have affected their roles.

The last notable teacher protest happened in 2016 when thousands of schools had to close across the country.

Shabazz Siddiq of Eden Girls School spoke to the Observer about his reasons for protesting.

He said: "Subsequent and consecutive pay cuts within the education sector are one of the reasons we are striking today. 

"Teachers provide a service that will benefit the future of this country and current generations.

"It is important to get our voice out there and let the government know that we have had enough of these pay cuts and mistreatment of education as a whole. 

"We would like to see education be properly funded so that we can look after the kids.

"It is not uncommon to hear of a non specialist teacher teaching certain subjects - why? It is because of the teacher retention and recruitment crisis.

"A lot of people are not aware that teachers are dropping out in large amounts and the government can't recruit teachers and compete with the private sector.

"So our kids are suffering as a result of this and it isn't right."