Teacher Strike Update

As a result of the upcoming strike action being taken by members of the National Education Union, in protest of teachers’ pay and conditions and school funding, the school will be closed to pupils on Thursday 2^nd March to all year groups apart from the Nursery.

I am sure that you will understand that our dedicated and hard-working teachers have not taken this decision lightly. The NEU explain: “This is not about a pay rise but correcting historic real-terms pay cuts. Teachers have lost 23% in real-terms since 2010, and support staff 27% over the same period. The average 5% pay rise for teachers this year is some 7% behind inflation. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, that is an unsustainable situation.”  In addition, part of this pay rise has NOT been funded by central government, and will have to be found in the school’s existing budget. This will have a direct impact on the provision at Coopers Lane and our pupils and staff.  

Whilst we are aware of the inconvenience that the strike will cause families, teachers across the UK are asking the Government to listen to their concerns and reconsider their stance to protect education, and enhance the recruitment and retention of teachers. 

Only the Nursery will be open on the 2^nd March, as usual.

 I will update you if there is any change to the arrangements prior to the 2^nd March.

There are 2 further strike days planned this term; Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16^th March. I will update you about any potential class closures on these dates as soon as I have more information.

Kind regards

Paul Hooper

Head Teacher