Our Ref: AJC/LAM 18th March 2014
Dear Parents / Carers Industrial Action We have been informed by the NUT (National Union of Teachers), that they will be taking industrial action, in the form of a strike / indeterminate withdrawal of labour, on Wednesday 26th March 2014. The action is not against Wallasey School itself, but is part of a national industrial action organised by the trade union about changes to the pension schemes of their members and general conditions of service. There is no requirement on unions to inform us of which members of staff will take action and it may be that they will not know themselves, as there is no obligation on members of unions to obey a strike call. Neither the Governing Body nor the Headteacher is legally allowed to close the school “in sympathy” with the strike and we will not do so. However, our main concern is the safety of our students. The current assessment is that a significant number of Wallasey staff will be taking industrial action. Consequently, I am giving advance notice that, on the grounds of health and safety, I shall be unable to keep the school open for all students. However, we shall remain open for Years 11 and Sixth Form and will ensure, wherever possible, that normal lessons / preparation for examinations continues. I understand that there are ongoing negotiations between the Government and unions and if the action is cancelled, this I shall immediately inform you and school will open as usual. My apologies for having to take the decision to close the school for Years 7 – 10. If you have any questions, or need clarification on any points, then please do telephone me at the school. Yours faithfully
AJ Cawood Headteacher