Strike Letter - July 2023

Wednesday, 28th June 2023

LettersHome-CaldewSchool

VJJ

 

27 June 2023

 

Dear Parents/Carers

As you may be aware, the National Education Union, in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1992, has announced further strike action. The proposed dates for this industrial action are:

·         Wednesday 5 July

·         Friday 7 July

This action has resulted in some partial and whole school closures both locally and nationally. The decision to close a school to all or some students is never taken lightly and we will always try our best to keep the school open to as many students as possible. In order to take the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of students, a risk assessment has to be carried out to determine if there is a need for a full or partial closure of the school.  Amongst other areas this risk assessment considers:

·         Whether there are likely to be enough suitably qualified staff to enable students to be supervised safely

·         If we can guarantee student to staff ratios will be met

·         Our ability to ensure our emergency procedures including fire and evacuation, can be carried out

I am writing to you today to inform you of our plans for Wednesday 5 July and Friday 7 July. Unfortunately, due to the reasons outlined above, we will be partially closed and the school will be open to the following year groups on these days:

·         Wednesday 5 July                                        Years 7, 8, 10 and 12 – students in these year groups

should attend school on this day

 

·         Friday 7 July                                                  Years 7, 9, 10 and 12 – students in these year groups

should attend school on this day

Students in all year groups who have EHCPs will also be able to attend school as normal.

Students in those year groups who are not in school will receive remote learning via Firefly. There is no requirement for teachers who are on strike to set work. Students should log onto Firefly at 9am to see which lessons have been set. 

We appreciate that industrial action is disruptive, and you may need to change your plans or working arrangements whilst this action is ongoing. We will, of course, continue to monitor the arrangements in place and make modifications to improve support for students, wherever possible. However, ensuring the health and safety of our students must take priority.

We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause parents and carers. I would also like to take this opportunity to reassure parents and carers that as a school we will do everything we can to ensure that any lost learning is caught up. 

Yours sincerely

Vicki Jackson

Headteacher

Staff have high expectations for pupils’ and students’ behaviour and learning. Pupils and students behave well in lessons and around the school site. They are polite to each other and look out for others in the school.

Ofsted 2022

Leaders have made significant progress in improving the school since the previous inspection. They have focused on creating a broad and ambitious curriculum which meets the needs of pupils and students, including those with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND).

Ofsted 2022

An effective programme of personal development has been created for pupils in key stages 3 and 4. This prepares pupils well for their future, giving them opportunities to have important discussions about healthy relationships, social and moral issues.

Ofsted 2022

There is a strong culture of safeguarding in place, with clear systems to record any concerns. Leaders keep safeguarding relevant to all members of the school community through regular updates, training, alerts and reminders.

Ofsted 2022

Pupils including students in the sixth form, are proud to attend Caldew School. They feel well supported, happy and safe in this welcoming community. There are high level of trust and respect between pupils, students and staff.

Ofsted 2022