Advance Notice - Potential Strike Action - 28 February 2023

17 February 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

The National Education Union (NEU) has confirmed that their next potential strike action has been planned for Tuesday 28 February 2023, the day after our return from half term.  

I want to keep you informed of provisions that we will put in place in case the strike action  goes ahead. We will update you again on Monday 27 February when and if the strike is confirmed. 

May I remind you that this action is not against Outwood Academy Bydales but is part of national industrial action organised by trade unions about salary negotiations with the Department for Education. Neither 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.  Our main concern is the health and safety and education of our students.  

If the potential strike action does go ahead, the decision will be made to close the academy to students in Year 9 and 10. This means that students in Year 7, 8 & 11 should attend as normal. The timing of the school day for students remains the same 8.25am to 2.30pm. 

Details of provisions for students in Year 9 and 10 are detailed below; 

Online learning will be provided to Year 9 and Year 10 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 and Year 10 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.  

School will re-open to all year groups on Wednesday 1st March. We will update you again about the plan for the academy before the next proposed strike action dates which are the 15 and 16 of  March.

In order to ensure that we can communicate any further 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 to these, please send to our dedicated email address for this purpose enquiries@bydales.outwood.com. We will always endeavour to minimise disruption as much as possible and to keep you fully informed.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding at this time.

Yours faithfully