Dear parents/carers,

I have no doubt that you will be aware that the NEU have declared strike action to be held during this term. The first of these dates is on Wednesday, 1st February, with three other planned dates for London schools on the 2nd, 15th and 16th of March.

While there will be much debate in the press about why these strikes are taking place, the simple reason that staff have chosen to strike is due to the chronic underfunding of schools. Teacher pay is one symptom of this underfunding, but there are many others. Essentially the majority of teachers feel that children’s education is being damaged every day by strained school budgets and the challenges of recruitment.

Some in the press may argue that these strikes will damage the education of our children. However, the majority of teachers feel that if strike action is not taken and schools continue to be underfunded, then the quality of the education we offer will diminish over time – damaging children’s education in a way that strike action could never do.

We hold out hope that talks between the teacher unions and the government will be fruitful and that schools closing due to the strikes will not occur. However, I’m getting in touch to give you as much notice as possible that learning may be disrupted.

We recommend that you start to make alternative childcare arrangements for these dates.

I’m sorry about the potential disruption to you and to your child’s education. I understand that this situation may be frustrating, but I assure you that our school remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils and delivering high-quality teaching.

We are working closely with our staff union representatives to keep up to date with the situation, and I will inform you of the final arrangements as soon as possible.

Regards,

Dr J. Lane

Headteacher