STRIKE LETTER – SCHOOLS THREATEN PARENTS OVER SUPPORTING THE STRIKE

This is a letter from a school received by a concerned parent. The name of the school and any other identifying info have been removed to protect the parent.

The school appears to be scaring the parents into sending their children to school on strike days when this may be against what they believe in and despite some of the classes not being open because their teachers are striking.

The letter also seems to be saying, if there is a picket and the teachers choose not to cross it, then on that occasion, the children of those classes would not have to go in. Therefore, there needs to be a picket of any size at every school.

Dear Parent/Carer,              

NATIONAL EDUCATION UNION (NEU) INDUSTRIAL ACTION

Further to my previous letters, I can now advise you of the school’s decision in relation to our ability to open on the days of the industrial action (strike action).

On Wednesday 5^th July and Friday 7^th July 2023, the school will:

• Open partially to Nursery, Reception, Class 4, Class 5, Class 6, Class 8, Class 11, Class 12 and Class 14
• Closed for Class 7, Class 9, Class 10 and Class 13

This decision has been based on a full risk assessment and the information available at this point.

If the school is able to remain open to your child they are expected to attend and this is your responsibility. Schools are required to mark the register in the normal way and if your child fails to attend school, or the reason for absence is not accepted, this will be recorded as ‘unauthorised’ and may have further consequences. 

This decision may have to change on the day of action if there is sickness absence or a picket line at school that employees have decided not cross. As I’m sure you understand, we will be unable to advise you of this in advance and we may need to update parents and carers on the morning of the action to advise of any closure/further closure. If this occurs we will aim to do this as soon as possible before the start of the school day.

If you have any questions, please direct these to the school office on

We will write to you again as soon as we have further information.

Yours sincerely