Further Update on Industrial Action, Staff Support and School Improvement

Dear Parent/Carer,

I am writing to provide a further update following ongoing discussions with NEU representatives and to ensure you have a clear understanding of the situation and the steps we are taking.

At the centre of the current industrial action are concerns raised by staff, through their union, about aspects of behaviour, consistency of approach, and staff safety. We recognise these concerns and take them seriously. It is right that staff feel confident, supported and safe in their workplace, and this remains a priority for me.

Since the start of June, we have met with NEU representatives on six separate occasions (11, 15, 17, 19, 24, 27 and 30 June). At each of these meetings, we have listened carefully to the concerns raised and responded in detail, setting out both the actions already taken and the further work underway.

This has included:

strengthening and clarifying our behaviour systems, including how incidents are followed up
improving and building consistency in how expectations are applied across the school by all staff
reviewing and developing our approach to dealing with more serious incidents, including those involving discriminatory behaviour and appropriate sanctions applied.
actively recruiting over the past few weeks to Pastoral and Teaching Assistant vacancies to ensure we have a full complement of skilled and experienced staff. This will enable us to better meet the needs of students and support the work being done to strengthen our behaviour policy and processes.
providing greater clarity, training and communication to staff to support consistent implementation
Recruiting a full suite of subject specialist teachers to provide quality and expertise within the curriculum and reduce the need for supply teachers.

Alongside this, a significant programme of work is already underway to improve systems and support staff to do their work effectively. This work takes time to implement fully and, importantly, time to embed so that it is consistent and effective for staff, students and families.

We have been clear throughout discussions that we are committed to addressing all concerns raised by staff. However, we have also asked the union to allow time for the changes already introduced to take effect, and to pause further industrial action to enable this work to continue without disruption to students’ education.

Despite these repeated requests, the NEU has confirmed that strike action will continue.

I want to reassure you that:

the safety and wellbeing of students remain central to all decisions we make
appropriate safeguarding arrangements and risk assessments remain in place at all times
there is a clear and active leadership focus on improving behaviour and supporting staff
we are continuing to take practical, measured steps to strengthen the school further

I recognise that this situation is concerning for families, particularly when references are made to behaviour and staff safety. Please be assured that we are working tirelessly to ensure that expectations are applied consistently and effectively across the school, and that this work is focused on improving the experience for both students and staff. We do appreciate your support in reinforcing these messages at home with your children individually and also working with us constructively when we get in touch with you. I want to thank you personally for your proactive support of the changes and improvements we are making and for your supportive messages and actions towards me as I lead this.

We will continue to engage positively and constructively with NEU representatives, with the clear aim of resolving these concerns as quickly as possible and bringing an end to industrial action.

In the meantime, I would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding. Your children remain at the heart of everything we are doing, and we remain fully committed to ensuring they receive a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment.

Yours sincerely

Mrs K Cooper

Senior Principal