Parents Update Letter – 12.09.25

Dear parents and carers,

I am writing today with the promised update regarding the National Education Union’s (NEU) proposed strike days at Hanham Woods Academy next week (Tuesday, September 16 to Thursday, September 18).

As I have previously shared, school leaders have made extensive efforts to bring this dispute to a close, with full resolution having been agreed between the school and NEU on 12 of the 13 union asks. Yesterday (Thursday) at noon, we met with NEU representative Ted Powell once again, where we offered a number of options for NEU consideration in the hope of resolving the final issue.

We had asked the NEU to inform us whether they intend to press ahead with strike action by this morning (Friday). However, last night they informed us that their decision will not be made until Monday.

While we remain fully engaged in negotiation and are optimistic that the options we have presented to the NEU will bring an end to union action, we know it is important for families to have as much notice as possible to prepare for any potential disruption. We are therefore writing today to urge all parents and carers to make any necessary contingency arrangements for their child from Tuesday to Thursday next week while we await the union decision.

We will of course provide you with a further update on Monday, as soon as the NEU communicates its decision; at this point we are planning on the basis that the strike action will go ahead.

It continues to be disappointing for all concerned that the early weeks of the school year have been disrupted in this way by union action, but we continue to act positively to bring this matter to a close as quickly as possible. Thank you once again for your patience and support at this time.

Academy Systems and Events Update

Following our Term 6 pilot of a three-warning behaviour system in classrooms after review and feedback we have reverted to our original two-warning system. This change ensures that disruption to the learning environment is minimised and that students remain focused and engaged. We have also increased staffing within our Inclusion Suite to better support students and facilitate a successful return to learning.

Full details of our behaviour system can be found in our Behaviour Policy https://shorturl.at/47b7n

On Tuesday 9th September, Year 7 and Year 11 students had their individual photographs taken. Unfortunately, due to a national issue with Bromcom, we were unable to send communications to parents in advance. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. A further individual photograph day for Year 7 and Year 11 will take place on Tuesday 18^th November

We are also looking forward to welcoming families to our Open Evening in October; this is a great opportunity for existing parents to tour the site with younger siblings and explore what the Academy has to offer.

Finally, we are pleased to invite parents and carers to our upcoming Tutor Parents’ Evenings. These events provide an opportunity to receive key information relevant to your child’s year group and to meet their tutor. Please note a change in these dates below:

Thank you for your continued support

Chirs Ballard
Principal