Nottinghamshire schools are deciding whether to close ahead of teacher strikes. The UK's biggest education union previously predicted "virtually every school" in Nottinghamshire would be affected in some way by upcoming teachers' strikes, and now schools are taking decisions on whether to open during industrial action.
Members of the National Education Union (NEU) recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action as part of its campaign for a fully-funded, above-inflation pay rise. Teachers who are NEU members at state-funded schools and sixth-form colleges across England will be able to strike when the first nationwide walk-out takes place on February 1.
Schools are beginning to send letters to parents, detailing whether they will have to close. We have started to compile a list of the decisions in these letters below:
Read more: Teacher strikes to affect 'virtually every school' in Nottinghamshire, says union
James Peacock Infant and Nursery school
James Peacock school, an infant and nursery school in Ruddington, has issued a letter confirming it will close on February 1 due to strike action. In the letter, it was explained the expected level of staffing would not be able to provide a safe and secure environment for pupils.
As such, places are temporarily being prioritised for vulnerable children. The letter added: "I’m sorry to inform you that James Peacock Infant and Nursery school will be closed on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Projected staff availability means we need to temporarily prioritise places, we have been asked to give priority to vulnerable children. We will be in contact with these families to offer a place for Wednesday, February 1
"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."
Toot Hill School
Toot Hill School, a secondary school and sixth form in Bingham, has also issued a letter to parents. This explains the school intends to remain open, but that they may have to partially or fully close to protect the health and safety of pupils and staff.
It said that if a partial closure is required, Year 11, 13, 7, 8, and 9 pupils will be prioritised. The letter highlighted that remote learning would be provided if closures of any kind were needed.
The letter, which was sent out on January 24, added: "We appreciate the need for parents and carers to be notified at an early stage so that alternative arrangements can be made for pupils if they are unable to attend school. Planning is, however, likely to take some time as rules relating to industrial action mean that we are unable to accurately identify the exact number of staff that are likely to engage in strike action.
"Consequently, we may confirm year group attendance close to Wednesday, February 1, originally the first strike day. We realise that this may cause you disruption, for which we apologise."
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