Dear Parent/Carer                                                                                                                                          

INDUSTRIAL ACTION – Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16^th March 2023

The National Education Union (NEU), which represents some teachers in schools, has voted to take industrial action in the form of a strike on Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16^th March 2023.

We respect the teachers’ right to take this action in the dispute they have with the Department of Education.  However, we recognise that this will be disruptive to students’ education and to parents and carers. 

We are working to adhere to government guidelines in offering maximum provision to students and we are therefore prioritising remaining open to vulnerable children, children of critical workers and those who are due to sit public examinations.

All students in Year 11 are expected to attend as normal on Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16^th March 2023

For children who are in the priority groups (vulnerable or critical worker), we will contact parents directly if we are expecting them to attend school on Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16^th March 2023.  If you feel that your child falls into one of these categories and you have not been contacted by 12.00 p.m. on Monday 13^th March 2023, please contact the Academy to discuss this with your child’s Learning Manager.

Students in other year groups, who are not in the priority groups outlined above, should not attend the academy on Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16^th March 2023.  Remote education will be provided on Teams.       

Meals will be available as normal for students required to attend on Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16^th March 2023.  If your child receives Free School Meals, we can offer your child a school meal at lunchtime.   The canteen will be open as follows:

FSM Years 7 and 8 – 12.00 p.m. – 12.30 p.m.

FSM Years 9 and 10 – 12.30 p.m.– 1.00 p.m.

Students should report to main reception on arrival if they wish to have a meal.   

We very much regret the disruption and inconvenience but the decision to restrict attendance has been made after very careful consideration and in the best interests of students.   

Thank you for your continued support. 

Rob Burton

Associate Executive Principal