Dear parents/carers,

Re: Industrial strike action

I am getting in touch to give you as much notice as possible that the school will be closed to pupils on Wednesday 1st February 2023.

Please find below our response to the proposed industrial strike action. You may be aware that the NEU (National Education Union) have declared strike action over 4 days as outlined below. The key issue is around pay, and the negative impact of this on the recruitment and retention of teachers, and therefore on the learning of pupils. This is not because of school level issues.

You will be aware that Teachers do not go on strike lightly. The NEU is the largest teaching union, and we expect a high number of teaching staff to be on strike on these days.

We have been continuing to review the situation and I can confirm that the school has taken all reasonable steps to try to keep the school open to pupils. Staff are not required to tell us in advance if they will be on strike. Any plans must ensure that we can safeguard all pupils on site, and ensure the health and safety of pupils and employees.

Following our risk assessments, we will be closing the school for pupils on the 1st of February for one day and will review the situation for the future dates.

The NEU has indicated that they will continue strike action following the initial strike on Wed 1st February, on Wed 1st March, and Wed 15th and Thurs 16th March. We recommend that you start to make alternative childcare arrangements for all of these dates. We are working closely with our staff union representatives to keep up to date with the situation, and I will inform you of any further arrangements or changes as soon as possible.

Any pupils eligible for Free school meals will be provided with a voucher for this day. School will organise this and contact parents accordingly.

Our school website provides a wide range of resources which parents and pupils can access at any time www.therosehillschool.com

I’m sorry about the disruption this may have caused, and ask that all members of our school community continue to treat each other with respect. Rosehill School remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils and delivering high-quality teaching.