28 February 2023

Dear Parents and Carers

NEU Strike Action

You may be aware from media coverage that the National Education Union (NEU) have declared strike action, which will take place on the following dates:

Wednesday 1 March

Wednesday 15 March                 Thursday 16 March

The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government over teachers’ pay, and not because of any issues at our school.

I am getting in touch about our arrangements for Wednesday 1 March 2023.

The following class will be CLOSED:

·         Maple

 

All other classes will remain OPEN and pupils should attend school as normal.  School will reopen to all pupils on Thursday 2 March 2023.

We are endeavouring to provide a place within school on that day for pupils whose parents are critical workers.  The government’s definition of critical workers can be found at: Emergency planning and response for education, childcare, and children’s social care settings October 2022 (publishing.service.gov.uk).

 

If you are a critical worker, please complete the Google Form: https://forms.gle/e5chbcuH2gTUjepr7 by 3pm today (Tuesday 28 February 2023) You can also scan the QR code on the bottom of this letter to get to the form.  Although unfortunately we cannot guarantee to be able provide a place in school for all pupils whose parents are critical workers, we will confirm this to you by the end of school today.

I apologise for the short notice in letting you know about our arrangements for tomorrow. This has been due to awaiting confirmation of the strikes going ahead following a request to pause the action by the Secretary of State for Education.

I am sorry that you may have to make alternative arrangements for your child at short notice. The Westminster School remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils and delivering high-quality teaching.

We are working to keep up to date with the situation, and I will inform you as soon as possible if arrangements change further.

If you have any questions, please email me on headteacher@westminster.sandwell.sch.uk.

Thank you for your ongoing co-operation.

Yours faithfully


O M Flowers
Head Teacher