Dear Parent/Carers
Re: Strike Action.
I am sure you will be aware from recent media reports that the National Education Union (NEU) is following through with planned strike action. The second, which will take place on Thursday 2nd March 2023. I am writing to give you as much notice as possible of the likely impact of the action on the academy.
While the planned action is as a result of a national dispute between the unions and the government, and not specifically Leigh Academies Trust or its academies, it is important that we respond accordingly in the interests of our students whilst respecting the rights of our staff. In anticipation of this action we have already prepared a response plan to minimise disruption and ensure vulnerable students and the children of key workers are still able to attend school in person.
Students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 will be asked to study remotely during strike days and online lessons will take place. A further communication will be sent out early next week.
We will provide a normal face to face onsite education for students in year 11 and 13 as they are preparing for examinations.
Vulnerable students and the children of key workers will be able to attend school as normal and will join their classmates in virtual lessons under the supervision of our staff. Break and lunch times will operate as normal with appropriate supervision in place in the normal way. If you are a key worker please complete the UTC Key Worker form by Monday 27th February to confirm that your child will be attending on strike days. If you do not require a place for your child then they can attend virtually along with other students.
If you are a parent of a vulnerable child we will contact you separately to confirm your child’s attendance on strike days.
Any Free school meal students who will not be on site on the day of the strike, can request to collect a packed lunch on the 1st of March between 14:10 – 15:00 from the UTC restaurant. Please complete the form below by Monday 27th February – by 12pm.
We appreciate that industrial action is disruptive and you may need to change your plans or working arrangements whilst this action is ongoing. We will of course continue to monitor the arrangements in place and make modifications where possible to improve support for students where we can. If the strike action is called off then we will confirm this immediately and in this eventuality, the school will be open as usual to all students.
The NEU has indicated that they will continue strike action for a further two days on the 15th and 16th March. I will write to you again in advance of each date to confirm any changes to arrangements and whether the strike is going ahead.
If you have any questions or concerns about the alternative arrangements outlined above, please contact the academy at info@theleighutc.org.uk in the first instance. As ever, thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Kevin Watson
Principal
