Dear Parent/Carer
Strike action arrangements for Tuesday 2nd May
With reference to my letter to you dated 20th April I am now in a position to advise you that unfortunately the same arrangements as today will be in place on the next NEU strike day, which is on Tuesday 2nd May 2023.
Again, I have completed a risk assessment based on the number of teachers who have already informed me about their intention to strike and the knowledge of the numbers who are striking today. Teachers are not obliged to inform me in advance, but I already know it will be unsafe to fully open the school. In completing a risk assessment in this situation, I have to use the known and predictable information to determine what number of students can be supervised safely.
The nature of strikes means I am not able to direct non-striking teachers to cover for colleagues who are taking strike action. As a consequence to all of this and a requirement from the Department for Education, I have prioritised provision for students who are in exam years.
On Tuesday 2nd May, therefore, I unfortunately have no choice but to close the school to students in Year 7 to 10. This means, only students in Year 11, 12 and 13 should attend school on these dates.
Years 7 -10 Provision
Remote learning will be provided on Google Classroom for all students as set by their normal timetable for that day. Teachers who are present in school will deliver live lessons and so your child must log on to Google Classroom for the lesson at the normal lesson times, which are as follows:
Period 1 8.55am – 10.10am
Period 2 10.30am – 11.45am
Period 3 11.50am – 1.05pm
Period 4 1.45pm – 3.00pm
Attendance by way of logging on to Google classroom and completing the work is an expectation. There will be no tutor time session.
Vulnerable Students in Years 7 – 10
A place in school will be offered to all vulnerable students (children with a social worker, children in care, children with a Child Protection plan, children with an ECHP or HNF). These students will be provided with lunch in the canteen. Students must arrive at 9.30am and sign in at the main reception. You will be contacted by the school on Friday 28th April to discuss this place.
Year 11 Provision
In order to ensure staffing levels are sufficient, Year 11 will have a late start of 9.00am and will go straight into normal lessons.
Lunch arrangements are the same as a normal day.
Full attendance is an expectation and also extremely important given that there are GCSE practical exams taking place on that day and the main written exams two weeks later.
Year 12 & 13 Provision
Year 12 and 13 are to attend school as expected but at the later start time of 9.00am. If their class teacher is not present, a supervised study space will be provided.
Students must sign in at the main reception upon arrival.
Full attendance is an expectation.
Free School Meals for Years 7 – 10:
Due to the bank holiday weekend it is not possible to provide a takeaway free school meal in advance for Tuesday 2nd May. Please, therefore, call into reception between 11am-2pm on Tuesday 2nd May to collect this if you wish.
Finally, I can assure you that this decision has not been made without significant consideration about what would be possible in a range of scenarios. As ever the overwhelming concern has been for the safety of your children, our students. I have to mitigate against any risk; as Headteacher I have to be able to ensure that all striking staff members can be covered adequately by myself, because I am not able to instruct others to do it. This means that I have been forced to be cautious and plan a response that is manageable and safe.
I am sorry that I have been unable to give more notice of this decision, and for any inconvenience this might cause you. I partially close the school with extreme reluctance and so I was keen to fully comprehend the staffing situation today before making any decisions. Please be assured that I have made the decision after fully assessing the risks.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Kate Finch
Headteacher
