National Education Union - Strike Action for Teachers
As you may have seen, the National Education Union (NEU) has confirmed that their teaching members will be taking industrial action in the form of strike days. The first date scheduled is Wednesday 01 February and the other three dates are Tuesday 28 February, Wednesday 15 March and Thursday 16 March. After the first strike day on 1 February 2023, we will update you on the plans for the other strike dates closer to the time as the Secretary of State is meeting with trade unions to try to resolve the outstanding issues.
Due to the number of staff taking action, we have made the difficult decision to close the academy to Year 9 students on Wednesday 1 February.
Online learning will be provided to Year 9 students via Google Classroom and students will be expected to complete any work set. If your child is unable to access google classroom from home please contact Miss Peacock via g.peacock@bydales.outwood.com or call reception on 01642 474000.
Students in Year 9 who are in receipt of free school meals may attend the academy between 12.00pm-12.30pm for their lunch. These students must sign in via the main reception. Year 9 parents will receive another letter shortly confirming further details.
All other students in Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 will be expected to attend the academy as normal.
This action is not against Outwood Academy Bydales itself but is part of national industrial action organised by the trade unions about salary negotiations with the Department for Education.
Neither the Outwood Grange Academies Trust Board nor myself as Principal are legally allowed to close the academy in sympathy with the strike, and we will not do so. However, our main concern is the health and safety of our students and their continued education.
In order to ensure that we can communicate any changes to these plans at short notice; which may include on the day itself, we are asking parents/carers to ensure that we hold up to date emergency contact details. If you do need to make any changes, please email us via enquiries@bydales.outwood.com.
We understand that there will be concerns and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding at this time.
