Dear Parent/Carers,
Further to my previous correspondence on the 22nd February 2023 the National Education Union (NEU) is planning to continue with its industrial action and the next strike days will take place on Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March 2023. I am writing to give you as much notice as possible of the likely impact of the action on the academy.
It remains our intention to minimise disruption where possible and ensure vulnerable students and the children of key workers are still able to attend school in person.
For Year 7 to 10 and 12 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.
We are prioritising students who are preparing for exams so we will open for all Year 11 and Year 13 students. A separate letter will follow with the details of the day for Year 11 and Year 13.
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 via email info@sirgeoffreyleighacademy.org.uk to book a place for your child. Please complete this by Monday 13th March 2023 by 1pm. 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 or SEN child we will contact you separately to confirm your child’s attendance on strike days, alternatively you can contact the inclusion team 01322 620420 or your child’s college.
There will be provision for students who are eligible for free school meals. Students will be able to collect a packed lunch at the end of the day on Tuesday 14th March 2023. Please email to order your child’s packed lunch via info@sirgeoffreyleighacademy.org.uk by Monday 13th March 2023 at 1pm.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns about the alternative arrangements outlined above, please contact the academy at info@sirgeoffreyleighacademy.org.uk in the first instance. As ever, thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Julia Collins
Principal
