Advanced information about proposed strike action by NEU on Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March 2023
Following the first and second strike action by members of the NEU, the next scheduled strikes are due to take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023.
To remind all parents, the formal trade dispute is about ‘the Secretary of State for Education failing to provide sufficient funds to employers to pay a fully funded increase in teacher’s pay at a rate greater than inflation’.
I would also like to remind you that schools are facing real challenges over teacher recruitment and retention. This has a long-term effect on the quality of education for our children and must be addressed by the government. Members of our teaching staff will make their own decision about strike action.
You will be aware that for the previous strike days we have focused on having Year 11, 12 and 13 students in school. We have reviewed the situation and adjusted our plans for the next two strike days so please read the following information carefully.
Wednesday 15th March 2023
- We will be closed to students in Years 7, 8, 10 and 11
- We will be open to students in Years 9, 12 and 13
- Some Year 11 students will be invited into school to carry out coursework/practical work in certain subjects, however we will contact you directly if your child is involved in this
Thursday 16th March 2023
- We will be closed to students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11
- We will be open to students in Years 7, 12 and 13
- Some Year 11 students will be invited into school to carry out coursework/practical work in certain subjects, however we will contact you directly if your child is involved in this
Information for Free School Meal Students
Students in Years 8, 10 and 11 who are entitled to Free School Meals will be provided with packed lunches to cover the two strike days on Tuesday 14th March 2023 – they should not come into school to collect a lunch on either Wednesday 15th or Thursday 16th March 2023.
Students in Year 7 who are entitled to Free Schools Meals will be provided with a packed lunch on Tuesday 14thMarch 2023 – they should not come into school to collect a lunch on Wednesday 15th March 2023.
Students in Year 9 who are entitled to Free Schools Meals will be provided with a packed lunch on Wednesday 15th March 2023 – they should not come into school to collect a lunch on Thursday 16th March 2023.
Learning Plans for the two strike days
As with the previous strike days we will invite into school students we know to be vulnerable.
Years 12 and 13
Students in Year 12 and 13 will attend lessons as normal on both days. 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 9
Students in Year 9 should come into school on Wednesday 15th March where they will take part in lessons as normal. They should stay at home on Thursday 16th March.
Year 7
Students in Year 7 should come into school on Thursday 16th March where they will take part in lessons as normal. They should stay at home on Wednesday 15th March.
Students who are not in school
When not in school, students in relevant year groups will follow a slightly different day and will find their work posted on Satchel:One for them to work on and complete at home. Work will be posted by 8:30am on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023.
- On the day they are not in school, Year 7 will be set work based on their Real Life Curriculum
- On the day(s) Years 8, 9 & 10 are not in school they will have a common timetable comprising of sessions in Maths, English, Science and RE
- Year 11 students will be set a revision programme for the days they are not in school
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 would ask parents / carers to plan accordingly for Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023.
I hope that the Government and Unions can come to an agreement and minimise the disruption to education moving forwards.