20th January 2023
Dear Parent/Carers,
Re: Strike Action
I am sure you will be aware from recent media reports that the National Education Union (NEU) has declared strike action, which will take place on Wednesday 1st February 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 and 10 will be asked to study remotely during strike days and online lessons will take place. Students in Years 12 and 13 will continue with their conventional arrangements for a Wednesday (work experience, placements or studying from home).
We will provide a normal face to face onsite education for students in year 11 as they are preparing for examinations.
Vulnerable students and the children of key workers will also be able to attend school as normal and will join their classmates in online lessons under the supervision of our staff. Break and lunch times will operate with appropriate supervision in place in the normal way. If your child is a student in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 and you require your child to attend the academy on Wednesday 1st February 2023 as you are a key worker, please complete the following form by Wednesday 25th January 2023. If you do not require a place for your child then there is no requirement to complete the form as 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, please collect a packed lunch on the 31st of January between 3:15pm – 3:45pm from the UTC restaurant.
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 wherever possible. If the strike action is called off then we will confirm this as soon as we can 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 three days after this first strike on the 2nd March and the 15th to 16th March. Please make a note of these dates now and I will write to you 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
