Dear Parents and Carers, 

NEU Strike Action

As you may be aware from recent media coverage, one of the main teaching unions, the National Education Union (NEU), has announced an intention to strike. Although discussions are ongoing at government level in an attempt to avert strike action, a number of planned strike dates have been published, four of which are applicable to staff and pupils at our school. 

1. Wednesday 1^st February 2023 (national action)
2. Wednesday 1^st March 2023 (regional action)
3. Wednesday 15^th March 2023 (national action)
4. Thursday 16^th March 2023 (national action)

The NEU is the largest teaching union at our school and a strike by this union could potentially have a significant and disruptive impact on the normal running of our school on these days. This action is part of national industrial action taking place across England and Wales. There is no requirement on unions to inform me which members of staff intend to take action, and it may be that the unions will not know themselves as there is no obligation on their members to act upon a strike call. Furthermore, teachers who do attend school cannot be directed to undertake the work of colleagues taking strike action. 

In the event of strike action, the Department of Education expects all headteachers to take reasonable steps to keep the school open for as many pupils as possible. Contingency plans are being discussed at present but I wanted to notify you of the potential strike dates in advance of the first planned day which is (1^st February 2023). Further information will be provided once final arrangements are confirmed. 

With best wishes,

Mrs E Bond

Headteacher