As you will already know, industrial action by teachers belonging to the NEU is scheduled to take place on Thursday 2nd March. The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government about pay and working conditions.

I am getting in touch with you to give you as much notice as possible about our arrangements for next Thursday 2nd March.

Although not obliged to do so, the teachers in our school have now confirmed their intention to join the industrial action on Thursday.

Currently, the following classes will remain open:

Nursery – Pear am, and Pear pm

Reception – Apple, Cherry and Mulberry

Year 1 – Chestnut, Juniper and Silver Birch

Year 2 – Holly, Elm and Pine

Year 3 – Rowan and Maple

Year 4 – All classes are closed

Year 5 – Cedar, Cypress, and Sycamore

Year 6 – Yew, Larch, Ash and Redwood

However, as teachers can decide to inform us of their intention to strike on Thursday morning, this could change at the last minute. We will keep you updated with any changes made over the upcoming days.

Children in the following classes will not be able to attend school: Oak, Poplar, Beech and Willow.

I appreciate that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child or children and that they will experience disruption to their education. I also understand that this situation may be frustrating, but the teachers are exercising their legal right to strike and as such, the law should be respected, as it protects all of our rights.

Children who are not able to come to school due to industrial action can be guided by you to access remote learning activities. The Oak Academy is a government site that provides lessons and activities for EYFS, KS1 (5-7yrs), and KS2 (7-11yrs). Children can also read at home and record what they have read on Boom Reader; practise their times tables on TTRockstars; and complete some of the activities on their homework grid.

School lunches – if you have paid for a school lunch for this day and your child’s class is closed, we will contact Chartwells to ensure you get a credit for your Parent Pay account. If your child is entitled to a Universal Free School Meal (Lower Site) or a Free School Meal (Upper Site), you are invited into school at 12.15pm so that your child can still have their meal. If your child will be attending school on Thursday at 12.15pm for a school meal, please call the school office by 3pm on Wednesday.

If there are any further changes, I will inform you as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Mrs Trudy Emberson Headteacher