Details about industrial action in July 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

Re: Industrial action

As you may be aware, on Saturday 17th June, the National Education Union (NEU) confirmed that its members will be striking over pay on two separate days in July. I am writing to inform you about what this means and how it will impact your child. Currently, strikes that will impact our academy are scheduled to take place on the below dates:

• Wednesday 5th July (All schools in England and Wales)
• Friday 7th July (All schools in England and Wales)

Striking is the right of every teacher who is part of a union and is a personal choice, which we respect as an academy and Trust. This decision is not only related to teachers’ pay, but the appropriate funding of schools. As the Head of School, it is my primary responsibility to ensure our pupils receive the highest standard of education and care.
The strike will lead to a level of disruption; however, the senior leadership team have been working to develop plans to ensure that we are able to minimise this where possible. Therefore, I am able to share with you the following:

Wednesday 5th July

• We will be open to Year 1 and 5 only. For all other year groups, we will be running a provision for pupils who are classed as vulnerable or whose parents/carers are key workers.

• If your child had a place on the previous strike day, as you as a parent/carer are classed as a key worker or the child is classed as vulnerable; they will be automatically allocated a space for the next strike day. If you believe your circumstances have changed and your child needs a space, please contact the school office as soon as possible.

• Children in Year 1 and 5 are expected to attend as normal, even if their sibling is impacted by the partial closure.
• For both Year 1 and 5, planned trips for this day will be going ahead.
• If your child is not attending a trip that day, your child will be expected to attend as normal. 

Friday 7th July

• We will be open to Year 3 only. For all other year groups, we will be running a provision for pupils who are classed as vulnerable or whose parents/carers are key workers.
• If your child had a place on the previous strike day, as you as a parent/carer are classed as a key worker or the child is classed as vulnerable; they will be automatically allocated a space for the next strike day. If you believe your circumstances have changed and your child needs a space, please contact the school office as soon as possible.
• Children in Year 3 are expected to attend as normal, even if their sibling is impacted by the partial closure.
• All children are to attend in PE kit.

We will continue to communicate with you and keep you updated on the arrangements or any changes to the planned strike action.

Finally, I want to thank you for being so supportive as part of the school community in what has been a challenging period. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 0333 360 2160 or office@newhorizonsprimaryschool.org.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Mr J Jones 
Head of School