Strike Action 5th & 7th July 2023

Dear Parent,

You will be aware from media coverage that the National Education Union are taking strike action and there are two further days of industrial action on Wednesday 5th July and Friday 7th July. The strike is happening because of the continued national dispute between the unions and the government over pay and inadequate funding for schools. I’m getting in touch to give you as much notice as possible about our arrangements for these dates.

Wednesday 5th July

Having considered our staffing levels we have concluded that we will not be able to accommodate Year 8 students in school on Wednesday 5th July. Teachers, who are in school, will post work in their relevant Google Classrooms for students in Year 8 to
complete. Students in Year 8 should follow their normal timetable and check the Google Classrooms of the subjects they normally have on a Wednesday.
Students in Year 7,9 and 10 will attend school as normal on Wednesday 5th July. Please note that this may be subject to further change as teachers’ individual circumstances may change between now and 5 th July leading to further disruption. We will of course keep you updated.

Curriculum Planning Afternoon

Please note that the planned curriculum planning afternoon on Wednesday 5th July will still take place. Students will be leaving college at 1.35pm. Buses have been arranged for this time.

Friday 7th July

Having considered our staffing levels we have concluded that we will not be able to accommodate Years 9 and 10 in school on Friday 7th July. Teachers, who are in school, will post work in their relevant Google Classrooms for students in Years 9 and 10 to complete. Students in Years 9 and 10 should follow their normal timetable and check the Google Classrooms of the subjects they normally have on a Friday.
Students in Year 7 and 8 will attend school as normal on Friday 7th July. Please note that this may be subject to further change as teachers’ individual circumstances may change between now and 7th July leading to further disruption. We will of course keep you updated. School buses will be running as normal and the college canteen will be open.

I am sorry that some of you receiving this letter will now have to make alternative arrangements for your child and that they will experience further disruption to their education. I understand that this situation may be frustrating and would ask that all members of our college community continue to treat each other with the respect and understanding which has been evident throughout this period of industrial action.
We are working closely with our staff union representatives to keep up to date with the situation, and I will inform you as soon as possible if these current arrangements change further.

Please do not hesitate to contact the college if you have any further questions.

Yours sincerely,

Sonya Thomas
Deputy Headteacher