Advance Notice - Potential Strike Action - 15 & 16 March 2023

10 March 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

The National Education Union (NEU) has confirmed that their next potential strike action has been planned for Wednesday 15 March and Thursday 16 March 2023.  

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 early next week 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 Years 8 and 9. This means that students in Year 7, 10 and 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 8 and 9 are detailed below; 

Online learning will be provided to Year 8 and 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 8 and 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.  

School will re-open to all year groups on Friday 17 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

Seana Rice

Principal