Dear Parents and Carers,
You may be aware from media coverage that the next dates for the NEU teaching union strike action for teaching staff will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March. The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government over teachers’ pay, and not because of any issues at our school.
We have updated our risk assessment for these days, and the arrangements that we can put in place to support our students in a safe and purposeful way, whilst mitigating the unknown circumstances on the day.
The school will be closed to the majority of students with the following exemptions for whom we will be able to deliver a set provision:
- Our most vulnerable students whose parents will be contacted prior to 15 March and invited into school on both days. We will not be able to manage students who turn up without prior agreement.
- Year 11 Arrangements – Students are expected into school for independent and guided study from 9.00 – 1.20. These sessions are compulsory. Students will be given a base for the day, and access to some resources, but should come prepared with their own books, notes, equipment and snacks. Students do not have to wear school uniform in these sessions.
Teachers who are striking are lawfully not expected to plan work for the day(s) they have chosen to strike. However, to support independent learning on this day, students can use their chromebooks to access/select work from the following list:
- Google Classroom – select task(s) from the Autumn term to review/improve. Curriculum Rationales can be found (Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4).
- Mathswatch revision – select topics from the curriculum map (links above) from the Autumn term and complete tasks; these will be automatically marked by the program to give feedback.
- Educake Tasks – select tasks for English or Science to review prior learning.
- Oak Academy – view lessons from topics from the Autumn term or look ahead and complete some lessons about topics you will be studying this half term.
Teachers will not be available on these dates to respond to emails if they are striking.
It is regrettable that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child at short notice, and/or 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 whilst we navigate these challenging times for education. AMSI remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students and to deliver high-quality teaching.
During lunchtime, Free School Meals will be provided for the eligible students that are on site.
Thank you, in advance, for your continued support. We will let you know of the school’s plans for forthcoming strike days in due course as things may change and our risk assessment will need to be updated accordingly.
Yours sincerely
Susan Service
Headteacher