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29 June 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 5 July

Friday 7 July

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

I am getting in touch to give you as much notice as possible about our arrangements for 5 and 7 July 2023.

The following classes will be CLOSED on 5 and 7 July only:

· Beacon
· Bredon
· Cedar
· Chestnut
· Haden
· Hazel
· Juniper
· Maple
· Nevis
· Rowan
· Snowdon
· Willow
· Wrekin

All other classes will remain OPEN and pupils should attend school as normal.

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 9am on Monday 3 July. 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 Tuesday 4 July.

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