Otterbourne Church of England
Primary School
With God's love, all are encouraged to thrive
TRUST
RESPECT
DETERMINATION
TRUST
RESPECT
DETERMINATION
TRUST
RESPECT
Partial School Closure Due to Industrial Action
Dear Parents and Carers
Industrial Action by the NEU – follow-up letter re: partial closure
Following my recent letter to you, I need to give you an update regarding plans for the day of Industrial Action on Wednesday 1st February. Since that letter, most teachers have kindly informed me of their intent to strike or not, and most staff have also told me whether or not they feel able to cover for striking colleagues. Each of these decisions is not taken lightly or without consideration of the impact, and I am grateful that they have given me the opportunity to determine the safest plan for the school, as things stand today. Due to the outcome of the open discussions we have been able to have, I have had to make the difficult decision to partially close the school.
Due to the staffing structure on the first day of strike action, a number of classes will be impacted, but I am committed to keeping the school open as much as possible. For that reason, most classes will only be subject to half-day closure:
Full day closure: Jaguar Class
Half day closure: Gecko Class will be closed in the morning
Gazelle Class will closed in the morning
Zebra Class will be closed in the afternoon
Giraffe Class will be closed in the afternoon
As staff are not compelled to provide information regarding their intent to strike until the day of the Industrial Action, the situation could change regarding other classes or year groups. I will inform you of any other changes as soon as I am able to.
I look forward to seeing the children in school for the sessions as detailed above. Gecko Class and Gazelle Class children should arrive at school at 12:55pm, in time for afternoon registration. Zebra Class and Giraffe Class children should be collected from the school gate at 1:05pm.
If you are entitled to Free School Meals and your child’s class is closed, a packed lunch will be available to collect from the school office between 11am and 11:30am. Please let the office know in advance if this is required.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support.
With kind regards
Mr Geraghty
Headteacher