Pupils in England and Wales are facing disrupted classes as teachers join rallies and picket lines in a strike over pay, pensions and conditions. Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) are taking part in the action, leaving many schools closed to some or all pupils. Union leaders said the national walkout was a “last resort”. However, the Department for Education (DfE) said the NUT was disrupting parents’ lives and holding back children’s education.