30 January 2023
Dear Parent / Carer,
You may be aware from media coverage that the National Education Union have declared strike action, which will take place on 1st February 2023. The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government over teachers’ pay and government funding decisions and not because of any issues at our school. Many schools across the town, region and country will be affected on this day.
On this day, school will only be open to a small number of pupils. The families of pupils eligible to attend on that day will be contacted directly. Lunch parcel arrangements for pupils entitled to free school meals, who are not able to attend school as normal, will also be made.
This decision has been made having considered all options based on the information we have from union members and taking into consideration the Health and Safety implications of the strike action based on the number of teaching staff we will have available.
Online learning activities are available to pupils on the day of action, please see the ‘Home Learning’ pages on our school website.
https://www.willowbank.st-helens.sch.uk/ go to Key Information and then Home Learning where a drop down menu will appear so your child can choose from a range of online activities.
I’m sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child at short notice and that they will experience disruption to their education. I understand that this situation may be frustrating and ask that all members of our school community continue to treat each other with respect. Willow Bank School remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils and to delivering high-quality teaching.
At this stage there are no firm school decisions regarding further proposed strike dates of 28th February, 15th & 16th March. We will keep you informed closer to those dates.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation and support.
Yours faithfully,
David Francis
Deputy Headteacher