NEU Strike Action

26th January 2023

Dear parents/carers,

You may be aware from media coverage that the National Education Union (NEU) have declared strike action which will take place on 1st February, 28th February, 15 and 16th March 2023. The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government over matters such as teachers’ pay, funding for schools, working conditions and not because of any issues at our college.

Having conducted a risk assessment, it is clear that the overwhelming majority of teaching staff intend on striking and as a consequence, we are forced to take appropriate action. Having not faced strike action by a teaching union for some time, we intend to set out only that which will occur on 1st February 2023, in the hope that more clarity and opportunity will be gained once the first date has passed. Further letters will set out our response to future strike dates.

Given the lack of available teachers on 1st February 2023, the college will be closed for all pupils except for a very small number of identified pupils. Unless contacted by the college before 27th January 2023, I would ask you assume that your child is not able to attend the college and that alternative arrangements should be sought.

For those pupils who are asked to attend college, normal transport and dining arrangements will remain in place. However, during the day lessons will be adjusted to age-appropriate group activities and tuition. The start time and finish time of college will remain the same.

In addition, parents of Year 11 pupils will know that 1st February 2023 was our scheduled Parents’ Evening. This event will be postponed and moved to 08th March 2023. We are sorry for the inconvenience but equally grateful to teachers that this important event will be supported at a future date despite it falling on the strike date.

I’m sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child at short notice, and/or that they will experience disruption to their education. I understand that this situation may be frustrating and ask that all members of our college community continue to treat each other with respect. Newman College remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils and delivering high-quality teaching.

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 arrangements change further.

Kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

Mr G R Potts MBE DL

Headteacher