The Headteacher and Governors cannot close the school in sympathy with striking unions, however, we have to give serious consideration to the safety of our students, and we do not feel therefore we can offer the adequate level of supervision in the absence of striking teachers to provide an education to all students as normal. The academy will therefore be open to all Year 11 students and the children of critical workers and vulnerable students. School transport and the canteen service will be available as normal.

There is no requirement on unions to inform the school of which members of staff will take strike action. There is also no obligation on members of unions to obey a strike call. However, based on information I have gained from the previous two days of action around potential union numbers, action and impact, I consider that it will be safe to open on this day for limited student numbers, and so I have prioritised those students completing their final exams this summer in Year 11.

There is no obligation for NEU members to set cover work on this day. Therefore, other students will be expected to work on a range of activities that will be available via our online resources, including Satchel One, Oak National Academy: https://classroom.thenational.academy/ and https://continuityoak.org.uk/lessons, CompleteMaths, Tassomai and Bedrock. Your child can also use the BBC Bitesize GCSE resources https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z98jmp3 and read a reading book. So, we would ask that they ensure they have their login details ready for this day. We recommend that you start to make alternative childcare arrangements for these days. However, for Vulnerable Pupils and Children of Critical Workers and for those whom childcare arrangements cannot be made, we will be providing school places on this day. We appreciate that some families may rely upon students in Year 11 to provide childcare for younger siblings. If this is the case please contact us for support. If your child qualifies, and you are not able to keep them at home on this day, then please could you contact my PA Hazel Willars by email at hwillars@looeca.net or by telephone. Responses must be received by 9am on Tuesday 14 March to allow us time to prepare for this provision.

I’m sorry about the continued disruption to you and to your child’s education. I understand that this situation may be frustrating and ask once again that all members of our school community continue to treat each other with respect.

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

Yours faithfully

Mr Scott Yalden
Headteacher