And so the day has arrived. Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers are taking strike action and thousands of schools around the country are closed, due to the dispute over the government's plans to reform pensions.
The number of workers expected to strike varied, depending on which side of the dispute you spoke to. Government officials said only one in five of the country's civil servants would be on strike (although they admit the numbers not coming into work would be higher because some would have to stay home due to school closures) and two-thirds of the 24,600 schools in England were to remain open or partially open.
Unions taking part in the industrial action predicted that 750,000 public sector workers will strike.
In support of those taking action, Sally Berkow tweeted:
Won't do kids any harm to see teachers stand up 4 their rights. Where were the complaints when they missed a day's school 4 royal wedding?
The Guardian is keen to find out what is happening where you are. Do you support the public sector strikes? Let us know, by taking part in today's poll.
Are you striking? If so, tell us your story here.
The Guardian has a map and a list, by area, of schools, nurseries and other education centres known to be affected by the strike. The numbers include schools which have declared that they will either close, or partially close. We will update this map and table as we get more data in from local education authorities.
We also have a map of where the key demonstrations, rallies and marches are taking place. If there's an event we've missed, please share the details with us and we'll update it as the day progresses.
Education news from the Guardian
• Union leaders said early indications were that the 24-hour walkout by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), University and College Union and the PCS, which between them cover 750,000 public sector workers, was being strongly supported.
• It has emerged that around 70 teachers at Eton College – Britain's most expensive public school – are members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, which is taking industrial action today, for the first time in its history. The headmaster at the school issued a statement, which read:
"Members of ATL at Eton met over the weekend, and have taken the view that they wish to minimise disruption but take the pensions issue forward by other means."
• The National Union of Students was fiercely critical of the announcement by Michael Russel, the Scottish education secratary, that English university students could be charged up to £9,000 in tuition fees in Scotland. They said Scotland was now the most expensive place in the UK to study, as Scottish universities normally run four year courses against the three years usually offered in England.
Guardian views
Universities minister David Willett's white paper, proposing a shakeup in how universities recruit students, provoked strong reactions.
• Patrick Ainley and Martin Allen, co-authors of Lost Generation? New Strategies for Youth and Education, said it will take us back to "the good old days when everyone knew their place and education kept them there".
• Peter Wilby wrote that the coalition wants to impose "a half-baked Ivy League that spells two tiers of unfairness" on English universities.
• Fielding encouraged striking teachers to keep a sense of humour. "Michael Gove is not Satan," he wrote, "he's Noddy on acid."
Education on Guardian Professional
• In the first of a series of weekly blog posts, Aaron Porter gives his verdict on Vince Cable and David Willetts: who has had a good week (heading for a first) and who has had a bad week (heading for a fail) in HE?
• Live chat: how to get ahead in academic publishing. Blogs, wikis or self-publishing are all growing options in the digital age but many things have stayed the same. To share tips on getting
published, join the Guardian Professional panel Friday 1 July
Private view for teachers
The Saatchi gallery is holding a private view for teachers to see its exhibition The Shape of Things to Come: New Sculpture on Friday 1 July from 7-9pm. It'll include a free guided tour, exhibition guides and refreshments. Please email admin@saatchigallery.com to book, providing your name and school contact details.
Guardian Education Centre seminars for teachers
This half-day conference for primary school teachers will help you inspire students to read with pleasure and maintain the reading habit. Andy Stanton, author of the Mr Gum series, will be joined by Julia Eccleshare, Guardian children's books editor, and reading development experts.
Time: 1 July, 9.15-12.45.
Cost: £48, including refreshments and resources.
Insight into Journalism: investigative and features journalism
This seminar, part of our popular Insight into Journalism series, gives secondary school teachers and college tutors the chance to spend a day at the Guardian. You'll meet specialist journalists from the investigations team, find out from writers what makes a good features article and learn about commissioning, editing and interview techniques.
Time: 8 July, 9.15-4.30.
Cost: £72, including lunch and resources.
Education seminars from Guardian Professional
Distinctiveness and branding in higher education
Higher education institutions will struggle in the marketplace unless they stand out from competitors and make sense to stakeholders. The Guardian's half-day seminar in partnership with the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education will explore what it takes to develop and maintain a distinctive brand that attracts students, staff and funders. Participants will hear from experts, examine case studies and have the opportunity to network with peers.
28 June, London.
Making the most of media opportunities to enhance your school's profile
Whether it's sharing good news or handling a crisis, headteachers and school management teams need to be able to handle the media in all of its forms. This one-day seminar in association with the NAHT is essential for new and aspiring heads as well as established school leaders who wish to update their knowledge. It includes a session on social media.
20 September, London.
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The world's top 100 universities
Updating table of university fee announcements for 2012
From Guardian Professional
The Higher Education Network for university professionals
Free online classroom resources on the Teacher Network
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