Dear Parents and Carers,

 

As you may be aware, in recent weeks the National Education Union (NEU), National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) all balloted their members on industrial action. I am writing to you today to explain what this means for our federation.

 

Following a ballot, the NEU has confirmed that its members will be striking with national strikes scheduled to take place on 1 February, and 15 and 16 March, with a local strike for the South East on 2 March. This is likely to affect the running of the Federation at some point.

 

Although staff are not obliged to inform me whether they are intending to strike, the staff have been considerate of the fact that plans need to be made, and so have shared their intentions with me. Having assessed the staffing situation, I can now confirm that on Wednesday 1^st February:

• The junior school will be open as usual, including breakfast club and afterschool clubs.
• At the infant school I can confirm that nursery and year 2 will be open, as well as Hedgehog and Butterfly Classes. Breakfast club, and after school clubs will also be available to those year groups attending. Years R and 1 will be closed for the day: that means children from Owl, Badger, Mole and Rabbit classes should not attend school on Wednesday 1^st February.
• Children in years R and 1 who are entitled to FSM (those of you who are eligible due to being on Universal credit for example) will be able to collect a picnic lunch from reception between 11.30 and 12.30 on Wednesday. To order your child’s packed lunch please follow this link and complete the form by the end of Monday 30^th January.

 

 The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is critical and so I am sure you will understand that I have not taken this decision lightly but I will not have enough teaching staff available to run classes safely.

 

 Whilst we are giving you early notice about this, it is still possible that arrangements will change further, potentially even on the strike day itself, given the nature of industrial action. However, I will of course endeavour to keep you as informed as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to me or a member of my senior leadership team. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time.

 

With best wishes

 

Mrs S Pape

Executive Headteacher