We have been informed by the NEU Trade Union of its proposal to take strike action both nationally and regionally over a number of days.

The first day of strike action by NEU teacher members is planned to take place on Wednesday 1st February 2023. The NEU is in dispute with the Secretary of State for Education with regard to their failure to ensure enough money is available to pay a fully-funded increase in pay for teachers which at least matches inflation, and which begins to restore lost pay.

These are the possible dates for planned strike action:

• Wednesday 1 February 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales.
• Thursday 2 March 2023: all eligible members in the following English regions: London, South East, South West.
• Wednesday 15 March 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales.
• Thursday 16 March 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales.

As Headteacher, I have assessed the impact on the school of the strike action that is planned to take place on Wednesday 1 February 2023. After careful consideration and consultation with the governing body, we have decided that the school will need to close to students. Due to the number of staff involved, there will be serious operational difficulties.

This decision has not been taken lightly, but there will not be sufficient staff in school to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the students. The limited number of staff in school will be able to supervise a small number of students, and we will prioritise those children who are vulnerable in some way or children of critical workers.

I apologise sincerely for the difficulties these arrangements will cause to parents and carers, but unfortunately these circumstances are beyond our control. If anything in this situation changes before the 1st February we will let you know as soon as we possibly can.

The school will open as normal on Thursday 2nd February 2023.

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact me via the school office.

Yours sincerely,
Catherine May                                               James Rothwell
Headteacher                                                  Chair of Governors