26th June 2023
National Education Union (NEU) – Third Round of Announced Strike Days
Wednesday 5 July and Friday 7 July 2023
I’m getting in touch re: the planned, third round of announced strike days by the NEU on Wednesday 5 July and Friday 7 July 2023.
I wish to inform you that the following:
|
|
Wednesday 5 July |
Friday 7 July |
|
Nursery and Reception |
Closed |
Closed |
|
Year 1 and Year 2 |
Open |
Open |
|
Year 3 and Year 4 |
Open |
Open |
|
Year 5 and Year 6 |
Open |
Open |
As you know, the strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government over teachers’ pay and conditions, and not because of any issues at our school. All teachers at St George’s are union members but not all teachers are members of the NEU and other unions have not voted for strike action yet. Other non-striking unions have issued guidance to their members about how they should respond, including not covering classes for striking colleagues.
The closure of classes at St George’s is not a decision which has been made lightly. We have worked alongside the local authority and our Trust to ensure safeguarding, child protection and health and safety requirements in school can be met. It is safe for school to remain partially open.
If your child’s class is closed and your child is entitled to either a Universal Infant Free School Meal (all children on roll in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) or a Free School Meal, St George’s will provide you with a voucher to cover the cost of a lunch. Breakfast Club and After School Club will run as normal for those classes which are still open.
I am so sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child whilst their class is closed and that they will experience some disruption to their education. I understand that this situation may be frustrating and ask that all members of our school community continue to treat each other with respect and dignity. Everyone at St George’s remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils and delivering high-quality teaching.
We are working closely with our staff union representatives 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 or would like to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact school via email: office@stgcps.org or telephone: 0191 2675677.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Anne Bullerwell
Headteacher
