The head of the country's largest teachers union says she expects her members to vote against co-operating with the Government's Junior Cycle reform.

27-thousand secondary teachers are to protest at school gates across the country at lunchtime today - to highlight concern at the introduction of the new programme.

They say there has not been any 'proper consultation' or resources.

The protests will involve members of the ASTI and the Teachers' Union of Ireland, both of which are balloting their members for industrial action.

ASTI President Sally Maguire says the reforms are unworkable - and her members won't support them.