21st April 2023
Dear Parent/Carer
Re. Industrial Action
As you will be aware, the National Education Union (NEU) has announced it is to take further industrial action due to a national dispute between the unions and government over teachers’ pay and funding decisions for school. The next planned strike days are next Thursday, 27th April and the following week on Tuesday, 2nd May.
Due to the number of NEU members and health and safety implications, unfortunately, after careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision that the College cannot operate a standard day. I have outlined the plans below.
During these two days, the College will only be open to Sixth Form, Year 11 and a small group of identified Y7-10 students. Students of this Y7-10 identified group will attend College in full uniform from 8.30am to 3.05pm and parents/carers will receive a personal communication in the next few days. The scheduled Year 10 Geography field trip will go ahead as planned on Thursday 27th April.
Sixth Form students will follow their normal timetable. If their teacher is not in College, they will complete independent study in the Sixth Form Study Area.
Year 11 students will have GCSE revision master classes delivered by the Senior Management Team and some students will complete their scheduled GCSE language speaking exams. Master classes are standard revision activities that we run every year when students benefit from this time to be taught specific areas that will be on their exams. Year 11 students will arrive at 8.30am, in full uniform with their standard learning equipment, and finish College at 1.15pm. The afternoon session should be used to complete exam study at home. If Year 11 students require school transport at the end of the school day, we will supervise them during lunchtime and period 5. Please inform the Year 11 team if your child requires this provision by Wednesday 26th April to enable us to make appropriate arrangements.
Year 10 Geography students who are attending their mandatory GCSE field work on Thursday, 27th April will follow the guidance communicated with parents from Mrs Francis. The students will arrive at 8.30am, in clothes suitable for the field work, and will be dismissed from College on their return from Formby at approximately 1.15pm.
All Year 7 – 10 students not attending on these two days will be provided with appropriate independent study to complete at home. Miss Barry, Vice Principal, will be providing more details about this and adding information to our website early next week.
As most students entitled to Free School Meals won’t be in school on the two strike days, Mrs Callaghan, Business Manager, has once again arranged for £2.50 to be credited to their ParentPay meal account which won’t expire until spent. We understand that times are tough for families and it is important that no student goes hungry, therefore, if you prefer, a packed lunch can be collected or delivered on the day. Please let Mrs Callaghan know by noon on Monday 24th April via email to enquiries@cowleysthelens.org.uk and she will arrange for this to happen.
I am sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child, and for the disruption to their education. I have prioritised the exam year groups to ensure this strike does not interrupt their exam preparation. I very much hope this situation can be swiftly resolved so we can continue to deliver high quality education and opportunities for our students. I am in regular contact with LA and Union representatives and will keep you informed of any progress or change.
College will be re-open to all students on Friday, 28th April and Wednesday 3rd May, and it is a requirement that all students attend.
If you have any questions, please contact the college via email.
Yours sincerely,
Mr R Cormack
Principal
