NEU Strike Updates

I wrote to you earlier in the week to let you know the National Education Union (NEU) confirmed that its members will be striking over pay on four separate days in February and March. I am now writing to inform you about what this means and how it will impact your child.

Currently, strikes that will impact our academy are scheduled to take place on the below dates:

• Wednesday 1st February (All schools in England and Wales)
• Thursday 2nd March (London, South East, South West)
• Wednesday 15th March (All schools in England and Wales)
• Thursday 16th March (All schools in England and Wales)

Striking is the right of every teacher who is part of a union and is a personal choice, which we respect as an Academy and Trust. As the Academy’s Principal, it is my primary responsibility to ensure our pupils receive the highest standard of education and care and also ensure that we can operate safely with a reduced number of staff on the school site.

As you know over the past few weeks I have been working with my leadership team to develop plans for these days based on our likely staff numbers.

On Wednesday 1st February, the school will be open as usual for all students in Yr11, Yr12 and Yr13. Students in those year groups should attend school and their timetable will continue as normal. If one of their teachers is not in school, students will be supervised with revision tasks and Sixth Formers will be supported to work on IA and EE coursework.

Unfortunately, on Wednesday 1st February the school will not be open to students in Yr7, Yr8, Yr9 and Yr10. Work will be provided directly to students on teams for them to engage with at home. Teaching staff in school will provide work for their class to complete remotely and there will be revision tasks for students whose teacher is not in school.

I hope you can appreciate we are trying to plan for a lot of unknowns as the moment and the safety of our students is the priority. If We will continue to communicate with you and keep you updated on the arrangements or any changes to the planned strike action. We will also review the plans and our risk assessment after the 1st February and will inform you of plans for the other planned strike days in March.

Finally, I want to thank you for being so supportive as part of the school community in what has been a challenging period. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs C Brinklow
Principal