24 April 2023
Dear Parent/Carer
National Education Union - Strike Action for Teachers - 27 April and 2 May 2023
The National Education Union (NEU) has confirmed that their next strike action has been planned for Thursday 27 April and Tuesday 2 May 2023.
Due to the number of staff taking action, we have made the difficult decision to close the academy to Year 7 and Year 8 students on both of these dates. This means that students in Years 9, 10 and 11 should attend as normal. The timing of the school day for students remains the same 8.25am to 2.30pm.
Students in Years 7 and 8
Online learning will be provided to Year 7 and Year 8 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 7 and Year 8 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.
Opening Arrangements: 27 April - 3 May 2023
As there are two planned strike days and one bank holiday during this period, I want to confirm that the academy will be open as follows:
- Thursday 27 April - open to Years 9, 10 and 11 only
- Friday 28 April - the academy will re-open to all year groups
- Monday 1 May - Bank Holiday (closed to all year groups)
- Tuesday 2 May - Years 9, 10 and 11 only
- Wednesday 3 May - the academy will re-open to all year groups
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.
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.
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding at this time.
Yours faithfully
Seana Rice
Principal