Letter from Director of Education to Parents re: Strike Action 25.4.23
Dear Parents/carers,
I am writing to keep you informed about the position in relation to industrial action in Stockport schools over the coming weeks.
As I am sure you are aware, one of the teaching unions (National Education Union) is calling its members to take further industrial action on Thursday 27April and Tuesday 2nd May. They continue to be concerned about teachers’ pay and working conditions and the funding levels for schools.
As a result, some children may not be able to attend school on those days. Whilst I do appreciate the disruption this brings for both you and your children, please be assured that our school leaders are working with their staff teams to assess the impact the strike will have for their school. Members of the NEU are not required to inform their headteacher ahead of the strike if they will be taking action and other members of staff should not be asked to cover the work of those who are striking. Headteachers, of course, are also charged with the responsibility of ensuring that school is safe to open. This means that every school must take an individual view about which classes they can maintain safely during the strike days. The safety of your children is of paramount concern and is at the heart of any school’s decision to close classes.
I am sure that headteachers have already communicated their intentions to you. I know that they are working hard to provide a safe place to learn for as many children as possible, whilst also respecting the rights of their staff to take industrial action.
Thank you for your patience in the coming days.
Kind regards,
Tim Bowman Interim Director of Children’s Services and Director of Education, Work & Skills