27th January 2023
Industrial Action Update
Dear Parent/Carer,
Industrial Action: Update
I write further to my previous correspondence earlier this week to update you on the progress of our contingency planning for the forthcoming industrial action in schools across the country.
Background
We have had confirmation from NEU that its members intend to take formal industrial action by participating in a series of strikes the first of which will take place on Wednesday 1st February 2023. The strike action is in relation to a national dispute around school funding and teacher and school staff pay.
What will happen at Beckfoot school on Wednesday 1st of February?
- Due to the numbers of staff involved in the industrial dispute, I have taken the decision to partially close the school.
- We will remain open for vulnerable students who have already been identified and contacted about coming into school.
- We will remain open for students in Years 11 and 13 who are due to participate in public examinations or formal assessments in the summer of 2023.
- For all other students in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 we will expect them to work from home using SENECA Learning. This work will be set on Class Charts. For students in Year 12 we will expect students to use this time for their '5 hours in' study.
Given the intricacies of the situation, I have tried to give parents and carers as much notice as possible in order to help with planning for such things as alternative childcare arrangements. I appreciate that my decision may be disruptive, for which I apologise. I hope that you understand I have not taken this decision lightly and have had to do so to secure the health and safety of all students and any non-striking colleagues in consideration of anticipated reduced numbers of staffing.
Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to reiterate that your child’s education is important to all of us at Beckfoot despite the situation we find ourselves in. I would remind you that this dispute is with the Secretary of State for Education and not with the school or Trust. I hope that by putting in place these contingency plans we can limit the impact the strike will have to your child’s education.
Best wishes.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
