Dear Families                      

You will be aware of the ballots that have been carried out by a number of teachers’ trade unions to determine whether their members agree to take strike action, following a dispute which has arisen between the unions and the government about teachers’ pay. This has not arisen due to any issues at the school. 

The outcome of the ballots has been announced and only the members of NEU have voted to take strike action. Other unions who balloted did not meet the required thresholds. 

The NEU have announced they will be striking on the following dates: Thursday 27th April and Tuesday 2nd May: Two-day strike in all schools in England 

We stated that our intention is to keep schools open wherever possible and take all reasonable steps to ensure that this is the case. However, the school needs to ensure that in doing so it can meet the health and safety requirements for students and staff who do not wish to strike.

We have taken the difficult decision to open to all Year 11 and Year 13 students who are close to their final formal assessments and to identified students who currently receive additional support. This will be for both dates. All other children will complete revision work for their cycle 3 exams and review previous learning for the lessons on Microsoft Teams.  

Year 11 in school  

All Year 11 students will be required to come into school for their usual start time, in full school uniform and ready to learn. We have very few days before their first exams so it is crucial that they attend. Further details will be sent out this week regarding their programme. Y11 are reminded that non-attendance of both days would result in them being unable to attend the prom.  

Year 13 in school 

All Year 13 students will be required to come into school and report to reception.  

Students who receive additional support 
We have identified a number of students in other year groups who we think will benefit from completing work in school. Families of these students will be contacted via MyEd by the end of this week to confirm this with them.  Identified students will come to school for their usual time entering through the usual entrance in full school uniform and ready to learn.  Students will finish at the normal time. If your child is eligible for a free school meal, these will be provided on site for them.  

Unfortunately, we are unable to have any other students on site and meet the health and safety requirements for those in school.  

Again, we realise that this may cause you disruption, for which we apologise. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience during this time.   

Mrs Trusselle
Headteacher
Beckfoot Thornton

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