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.
For the majority of students, they will be asked to study remotely during strike days and live online lessons will take place in line with the normal timetable where possible. Where a lesson was due to be taught by a member of staff that is striking, alternative work will be set to be conducted during that lesson.
Where possible we will ensure that students in years 11 and 13 who are preparing for exams are prioritised for live teacher support and we will aim to use strike days as part of the normal preparation for exams to avoid disruption during this critical period. We will be sending out an update on the specific plans for year 11 and year 13 as soon as possible this week.
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 contact us as soon as possible 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.
We will contact you separately about arrangements for free school meals if your child is in receipt of this.
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, 15th and 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@longfieldacademy.org in the first instance. As ever, thank you for your continued support.
Yours faithfully,
Principal | Dr F. Donkor
