Following on from our earlier email regarding strike action, I wanted to update you on our plans for 1 February 2023.

Our main concern in the planning has been the health and safety of our students.  The academy will only ever close either fully or partially if following a full risk assessment, it is not safe to remain open.

Due to our projections of the number of teachers who may be impacted by the strike action, either through taking strike action themselves, through illness or impact on their own childcare arrangements, we have had to take the difficult decision to partially close the academy on the 1 February 2023 to years 9 and 10 except for vulnerable students who will be contacted directly.

Vulnerable students can be defined as looked after children, children with a social worker and children who have an Education Health Care Plan.

Years 7, 8, 11 and sixth form will be expected to attend as normal arriving for the usual 08:40 start.  All external examinations/assessments on the day will continue as planned, however, the scheduled year 7 and 12 parents evening has been cancelled.  Please seek to re-arrange appointments for the Tuesday evening wherever possible and as always feel free to contact the academy for a progress update if you have any queries or concerns.

Students in years 9 and 10 in receipt of free school meals will be able to collect a lunch bag between 0900 and 1200 from the academy reception.  If you would like to collect a lunch bag please complete this form no later than Monday 30 January by 1400.  Work will be set wherever possible via Arbor.

We may not know until closer the time exactly how many staff are available for work so it is possible these plans will need to change further.  However, we will make every effort to ensure this is communicated at least by the end of 31 January 2023.

In order to ensure this information is received, please review your emergency contact information by logging into Arbor and updating your details if necessary.

We will keep the situation under constant review and will update you with the academy’s plan prior to any future proposed strike dates.

We understand that you will have concerns about the disruptions caused to your child’s education and will continue to strive to ensure this is minimised while ensuring you have as much notice of our plans as possible.

Thank you for your support and understanding.