Monday 26^th June 2023

 

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 for our region:

• 5^th and 7^th July 2023: Two-day strike in all schools in England (please note we had a previously planned closure on Friday 7^th July

 

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.

 

The arrangements for week commencing 3^rd July are:

 

Monday 3^rd July – normal day, all students in school

 

Tuesday 4^th July – normal day, all students in school

 

Wednesday 5^th July – We have taken the difficult decision to only open to all Year 10 students who are studying for their final formal assessments and to identified students who currently receive additional support. All other children will be set work to complete at home.

 

Thursday 6^th July – normal day, all students in school

 

Friday 7^th July – previously planned training day, school closed to all students in all year groups

 

Year 10 in school

 

All Year 10 students will be required to come into school for their usual start time, in full school uniform and ready to learn. During this day Year 10 will complete their usual lessons as far as possible, as well as vital additional sessions to support students. It is essential that all Year 10 students attend school on Wednesday 5^th July.

 

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 on Wednesday 5^th July.  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.

Students eligible for free school meals

 

For students who are not in school and who are learning from home on the Wednesday 5^th July, who usually receive a free school meal, will be able to pick up a pre-ordered grab bag from the main hall during dismissal on Tuesday 4^th July. To order these for your child(ren), please complete the following link by 11am on Friday 30^th June 2023:

 

https://forms.office.com/e/3FLc7iWgiZ

 

We will not be able to provide free school meals where these have not been ordered. These bags will need to be stored in the fridge when students get home.

 

Remote learning

 

For students who are learning from home (Year 7, 8 and 9) remote learning will be set. If a member of staff is not striking, work will be set on Microsoft Teams. Where a staff member is striking, students can complete previously set work on Show My Homework and use the 9 study skills with their knowledge organisers. If your child will not be able to access the online work, due to not having the internet or a device, please contact school so we can arrange alternative work for them. 

 

Transition

 

Our transition event for Year 6 families will now be held over one day. Further information will be sent to families shortly.

 

 

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.

 

School will be open every day, as normal week commencing 10^th July.

 

 

Yours sincerely

Mrs S Trusselle

Headteacher

Beckfoot Thornton

 

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