NEU Strike Updates

As you may be aware from media coverage the NEU teaching union have declared strike action, the first day of which will be taking place next Wednesday, 1st February.  The strike is happening because of the dispute over teachers’ pay and will affect all schools nationally. Teachers are not required to inform their school if they are intending to strike, so it is difficult for us as a school to know the exact impact this is going to have on us.

I am getting in touch to confirm that we are intending to remain open on this day for all pupils, but we need to make you aware that this may not feel like a ‘normal’ day to your child and things may be different.  Please send your child in as normal.

Hopefully there will be little or no disruption to your child’s day, but if your child’s teacher is striking then they will be having an alternative member of staff and their normal timetable and routine may be affected.

Currently, strikes that will impact our academy are scheduled to take place on the below dates:

• Wednesday 1st February (All schools in England and Wales)
• Thursday 2nd March (London, South East, South West)
• Wednesday 15th March (All schools in England and Wales)
• Thursday 16th March (All schools in England and Wales)

Striking is the right of every teacher who is part of a union and is a personal choice, which we respect as an academy and Trust. As the Academy’s Headteacher, it is my primary responsibility to ensure our pupils receive the highest standard of education and care.

The strike will lead to a level of disruption, however over the past few weeks I have been working with my leadership team to develop plans to ensure that we are able to minimise this.

We will continue to communicate with you and keep you updated on the arrangements or any changes to the planned strike action.

Finally, I want to thank you for being so supportive as part of the school community in what has been a challenging period. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Mr C Murphy
Headteacher
New Horizons Children's Academy