Following my letter sent to you last week, I am writing to update you on the progress of our plans and arrangements for the forthcoming strike action in schools.
We have had confirmation from NEU that members of the union intend to take formal industrial action by participating in a strike which will take place on Wednesday 1st February 2023. To reiterate, the NEU are in a formal trade dispute ‘with the Secretary of State for Education for failing to provide sufficient funds to employers to pay a fully funded increase in teacher’s pay at a rate greater than inflation’.
The reduced number of teaching staff on site on Wednesday 1st February 2023 does not allow us to open the Academy as normal.
Therefore on Wednesday 1st February the school will only be open to:-
- Years 11, 12 and 13 - we have prioritised these year groups due to their forthcoming examinations and assessments.
- Those students who are classed as vulnerable (if your child falls into this group you will receive a separate letter)
The school will be closed on Wednesday 1st February to:
- Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
Information for Students for Wednesday 1st February
Students in Years 11, 12 and 13 should come into school as normal.
Years 12 and 13
Students in Year 12 and 13 will attend lessons as normal. Where staff are absent, students will be expected to work independently or will be working on tasks directed by the Head of Sixth Form
Year 11
Students in Year 11 should come into school as normal. The structure of the day has been amended and the focus of the day is ‘GCSE Revision Skills Preparation’ that will include:
- A welcome assembly plus sessions on preparing for GCSE English, Maths, Science and RE
- Students should also bring their PE kit for a well-being/PE session
Years 7, 8, 9 & 10
Students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will follow a slightly different day and will find their work for the day posted on Satchel:One for them to work on and complete at home. Work will be posted by 8:30am on Wednesday 1st February 2023.
- Year 7 will be set work based on their Real Life Curriculum
- Years 8, 9 & 10 will have a common timetable comprising of sessions in Maths, English, Science and RE
Students in receipt of free school meals in Years 7 - 10 will be issued with a packed lunch on Tuesday 31st January 2023 – they should not come into school to collect a lunch on Wednesday 1st February 2023.
I have tried to give parents and carers as much notice as possible and appreciate that this partial closure may be very disruptive for you and your family, for which I can only apologise.
I hope that you understand I have not taken these decisions lightly and have had to make decisions to ensure the health and safety of your child and any non-striking staff, especially in consideration of the anticipated heavily reduced numbers of staff.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs C. Aitcheson
Headteacher