St Thomas More Catholic Primary School
Inspiration, Celebration and Education
Dear Parents
Teachers’ Strike Action
You may have heard that members of The National Education Union (NEU) have voted for teachers to strike on a number of days over the coming months, with the first planned day being Wednesday 1st February 2023. It is important you are aware that there is a possibility that the normal school day will be disrupted on strike days. We are currently assessing the potential impact of the forthcoming strikes and some classes may have to stay at home on strike days while others attend school.
Schools across the country will be carrying out contingency planning to support staying open during these times. Each school will be affected differently, depending on the numbers of teachers in the union and depending on which NEU teachers decide to go ahead with strike action. These variables will determine whether schools will be able to operate normally on those days or be forced to close or partially close to pupils.
As you know our committed team of teachers hold every child in their heart and minds and understand the privilege it is to be part of your child’s learning. I would like you all to be aware that the teachers who opt to strike have given their decision a considerable amount of thought and are taking action to support their union’s message to the Government that more funding is needed in schools to provide every opportunity your children need to learn and develop. Please respect the decisions that our school team make during this period and I ask you not to approach staff regarding their position as this is not something they can discuss.
Members of the NEU are likely to take action in our region on the following dates:
I am writing to advise you of the dates so you can make contingency plans in case your child’s class is impacted by the strike. Due to the nature of the rules around strike action, it is unlikely that we will be able to give you very much notice about any closed classes or changes to the usual school provision.
I will let you know as soon as I have further information regarding whether any classes will have to close and which classes they will be.
Kind regards,
Mrs Tippen
Head Teacher