Dear Parents/Carers,

You may be aware from media coverage that the NEU have declared strike action, which will take place on four separate days: the first being Wednesday 1st February.

The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government over teachers’ pay and not because of any issues at our school.

I’m sorry to inform you that West Oaks School will be closed on Wednesday 1st February.

We are asking you not to send your child into school on this day and will provide further updates regarding the proposed strike days on 28th February, 15th and 16th of March.

We have not taken this decision lightly. We remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils, and feel that we would be unable to provide this with the staff we have available as other colleagues have indicated that they will also be absent as they will be affected due to school closures and strike action in their children’s schools.

I am really sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child at short notice, and that they will experience disruption to their education. Our pupils who access free school meals can still do so, and vouchers have been organised for families.