Notification of closure of school on Wednesday, 5th July 2023 and Friday, 7th July 2023
You will have heard in the press, that the National Education Union (NEU) has declared another two days of strike action which will be taking place on: Wednesday, 5th July 2023 and Friday, 7th July 2023.
The NEU is one of several teaching unions and different schools will have different numbers of striking staff. The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government. The NEU explain: “This is not about a pay rise but correcting historic real-terms pay cuts. Teachers have lost 23% in real terms since 2010, and support staff 27% over the same period. The average 5% pay rise for teachers this year is some 7% behind inflation. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, that is an unsustainable situation”.
As Headteacher, in conjunction with the Chairperson of the Governing Body, I have assessed the impact of the strike action that is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 5th July 2023 and Friday, 7th July 2023 and after careful consideration, I have decided that the school will need to close to pupils. Due to the number of staff involved, there will be serious operational difficulties. This decision has not been taken lightly, and whilst I regret needing to take this action, it is done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
Children will receive packs of work and we are asking that they use this time to complete the activities provided for them and return the packs to school on their return.
The school will open as normal on Thursday, 6th July 2023 and Monday, 10th July 2023. Packed lunches will be available for collection on Tuesday, 4th July 2023 and Thursday, 6th July 2023 for all pupils who are entitled to FSM. I apologise sincerely for the difficulties these arrangements will cause to parents and carers, but unfortunately these circumstances are beyond our control.
If you have any queries or concerns, please let me know.
