Strike – Thomas Bewick lett march 2014

AD/LDA 20 March 2014 Dear Parent / Carer Teacher Strike Action: 26 March 2014 As you may be aware, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) have balloted their members for strike action and this will take place in the North East on the 26 March 2014. The union has been engaged in a long-standing dispute with the national government over changes in pay and conditions for teachers. This action is taken in that context. Neither the Academy nor its governors, through its Executive Director, can authorise the closure of the Academy in sympathy with those who withdraw their labour. The union is not obliged to disclose to us which staff will take strike action and no member of the NUT is obliged to opt for action. It is, therefore, difficult to plan for the day. We have asked staff to inform us as to whether they will be taking action or not and based on that we have tried to minimise the impact on the learning of our pupils who are at the heart of what we do. It is our intention wherever possible to keep the Academy open and the following arrangements have been made:  Thomas Bewick Primary The number of staff taking action requires us to open partially. All pupils in Nursery, Years 1, 2 and 6 are to attend school on that day. It is compulsory for students in these year groups to attend. We appreciate the inconvenience this may cause, but we can only operate safely within these areas. Only the children in the Year groups indicated should attend school on the 26 March 2014. Please do not send any children to school who are not in those year groups as we will not be able to supervise them. Many thanks for your understanding. Please be assured that we will do everything possible to minimise the impact on your children’s learning. Yours faithfully

Andrew Day Executive Director