Hounslow Council Issues Warning Over School Strikes
Parents to be informed of level of provision during industrial action
Teachers in Scotland on a picket line
January 27, 2023
Parents and carers with children attending school in Hounslow Borough will shortly be informed about the level of provision during the forthcoming teachers strikes.
It is possible that some schools may close completely and others may prioritise pupils in exam years, vulnerable children and children of critical workers.
The National Education Union (NEU) is taking strike action across the UK and the dates that this will impact local schools are as follows:
• Wednesday, February 1
• Thursday, 2 March
• Wednesday, 15 March
• Thursday, 16 March
As schools prepare for strike action, Headteachers will have undertaken risk assessments to determine what education provision the school can deliver whilst safeguarding the health and safety of children and staff.
The council says that each school is affected differently by the strike action as this depends on the number of staff who are members of the NEU and the number of members who decide to strike on the dates above. Staff illness is also likely to be a factor in how the school is able to operate on these days.
In cases where schools can remain partially open, Headteachers will prioritise attendance for exam year groups, vulnerable pupils and children of critical workers in line with the guidance from The Department for Education.
Letters have been sent to parents and carers with children registered at schools and academies to notify them of the planned strike action. Schools will send further communication outlining the final arrangements for the days strike action is underway.
A spokesperson for the council said that the dispute was a national one over the issue of pay and was not due to any issues between teachers and the council adding, “Whilst we understand this situation may cause concern and frustration, we ask our school community to continue to treat each other with respect. “
Hounslow Council will fund food vouchers at £3 per day to parents and carers with children eligible for benefits related to free school meals who are affected by school closures in the borough on 1 February. Schools will make the necessary arrangements for eligible pupils to receive the food voucher.
The Council says will continue to work closely with Schools, Chairs of Governing Bodies and Union Representatives to keep up to date with the situation and minimise the disruption to learning as much as possible.
If you have any questions about the school your child attends and the arrangements that have been put in place during strike action, you should contact the school’s office as per the advice set out in the letter received from the Headteacher.
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