8th March 2023
Dear Parent/Carer
Re. Industrial Action
As you will be aware, the National Education Union (NEU) has announced it is to take 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 will be next week on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March.
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.
Next Wednesday and Thursday, the College will only be open to Sixth Form, Y11 students and a small group of identified Y7-10 students. Parents/carers of this Y7-10 identified group will receive a personal communication in the next few days.
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 on Wednesday, 15th March will complete their English Literature rehearsal exam during the morning and leave site around 12.15pm to complete exam study at home. On Thursday, 16th March, the Maths and Science papers are scheduled for the morning session; all students, except those taking GCSE Biology, will leave site around 12.45pm. Students sitting the separate Biology GCSE will leave site around 1.15pm. The afternoon session should be used to complete exam study at home. Year 11 students will arrive at 8.30am, in full uniform, and register with the year team in the canteen. If Y11 students require school transport at the end of the school day, we will supervise them during lunchtime and period 5. Please inform the Y11 team if your child requires this facility by Monday 13th March for us to make appropriate arrangements.
All Y7 – 10 students not attending next Wednesday, and Thursday 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 Wednesday, 15th and Thursday, 16th March, 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 Friday, 10th March 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 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, 17th March, and it is a requirement that all students attend.
If you have any questions, please contact the college on the above email, however, more details will follow over the next few days.
Yours sincerely,
Mr R Cormack
Principal
