Which Yorkshire schools will be hit by Thursday’s strike

The numbers include schools which have declared that they will either close, or partially close.

The scale of the impact of a 24-hour walkout by up to 750,000 teachers, lecturers, civil servants and other workers became clear as parents across England and Wales were told to make alternative arrangements.

Driving tests will also be cancelled and customs checks at ports affected, while picket lines will be mounted outside Government departments

A survey by the Press Association revealed more than 3,700 schools in 80 areas will be affected by the industrial action being taken by members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).

If these figures are replicated across England, it means that over 7,500 schools will be forced to close or partially close, while a strike by members of the University and College Union (UCU) is expected to cause “significant disruption” at 350 colleges and 75 universities, according to the union.

Schools can decide on their plans up until tomorrow, so the numbers hit by the walkout are likely to rise.

The NUT has estimated 85% of schools could be affected, which equates to around 17,000 state schools, collectively educating millions of pupils.

The Government has said “rigorous” contingency plans were in place to ensure essential services are maintained during the strike.

But the National Association of Head Teachers has expressed “grave concerns” about a call by Education Secretary Michael Gove that parents could volunteer to cover for striking teachers.

General secretary Russell Hobby said: “It is probably not unlawful but we would strongly advise our members not to accept voluntary help to cover for absent staff this Thursday.”

The Public and Commercial Services union said it expected its members in jobcentres, tax office Government departments, driving test centres, ports, courts and airports will strongly support the strike.

The union also represents security staff in the Houses of Parliament as well as workers who transport prisoners to courts and coastguard employees.

A meeting yesterday between ministers and union leaders made some progress on the future of the local government pension scheme, but the talks were described as a “farce” by PCS leader Mark Serwotka, accusing the Government of having no interest in negotiating on plans to cut pensions, extend the retirement age and increase contributions.

“On Thursday we will see hundreds of thousands of civil and public servants on strike and, on the experience of today’s meeting and the last few months of Government obstinacy, we fully expect to be joined by millions more in the autumn,” he said.

Childcare agencies reported a huge increase in inquiries from working parents trying to make alternative arrangements for their children on Thursday.

Amanda Coxen of Tinies Childcare Agency said calls had doubled, while Ben Black of emergencychildcare.co.uk said: “So far for Thursday we have had 250 parents book an emergency nanny - on a normal day we have 75 parents a day.

“Parents calling us are always stressed and cross as they have important deadlines to meet and just can’t take a day off at such short notice to look after their children.

“Even though more and more parents are working flexibly compared to five years ago, they still need to book an emergency nanny to be able to work efficiently and effectively - something that is not possible if you are having to look after the children.”

Prime Minister David Cameron will be setting out the Government’s position on public sector pensions in a speech later today.

Local authorities have reported the folowing likely closures:

• Barnsley 67

• Calderdale 2

• East Riding 47

• Hull 27

• Kirklees 97

• North East Lincolnshire 8

• North Lincolnshire 38

• North Yorkshire 28

• Rotherham 37

• York 41