Dear parent and carers,

You may be aware from media coverage that the National Education Union (NEU) have declared strike action. The NEU has said it will hold strikes in the North West on:

  • February 1st 2023

  • February 28th 2023

  • March 15th 2023

  • March 16th 2023

The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the NEU and the government over teachers’ pay. The potential effect will not be restricted to our school, but the impact on each school will differ.

Further to our letter regarding the strikes last week, we are getting in touch to give you further information about our arrangements on Wednesday 1st February 2023. When making decisions, we have to consider union members, staffing levels and how we can ensure the health and safety of our pupils in school.

On Wednesday 1st February, school will therefore be open as follows:

  • Athena- all students

  • Pegasus- Year 11, KS2 and Year 7 students

  • Willows- not open

Vulnerable children in Year 8, 9 &10 who attend the Pegasus site will also be invited to attend where capacity allows. Parents and carers of vulnerable children will be contacted directly to confirm their attendance.

Those not attending school will be given work packs to complete at home.

Students attending school will have snacks and lunch provided as usual.

Lunch packs will be provided for those students in receipt of free school meals for whom schools are not open. These will be given out on Tuesday 31st February 2023.

We are sorry that some of you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child. We understand that the situation may be frustrating for you and we thank you for your support and understanding.

We are working closely with staff union representatives to keep up to date with the situation, and we will inform you as soon as possible if arrangements change further and with information about future strike days.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Victoria O’Farrell