Britain (Commonwealth)_We understand that the upcoming strikes by teachers in England may cause some disruption and concern for you and your children. We are here to provide you with friendly information to help navigate through this situation, ensuring the best possible support for your child’s education.
Strike Dates and Participation: On Wednesday, 5th July, and Friday, 7th July, members of the National Education Union (NEU) will be going on strike. This will mark the sixth and seventh national strike days by NEU members in schools across England. It is important to note that some teachers from sixth-form colleges will also participate in the strikes. Additionally, teachers in Northern Ireland and Wales may take action short of a strike.
School Closures and Communication: The decision to close schools during strike days lies with individual head teachers. There are no specific rules regarding advance notice or the timing of informing parents about closures. Therefore, some parents may only be notified on the morning of the industrial action, once staff availability is confirmed. It is worth mentioning that schools may choose to use agency staff or volunteers who might not follow the regular curriculum. While schools may offer remote education, it is not mandatory.
Parental Leave and Support: In the face of strike-related disruptions, parents in England have the option to request leave to care for their family and dependents, including emergency childcare. Employers are generally expected not to refuse reasonable requests, although such leave may not be paid. Alternatively, you may consider taking a holiday or unpaid parental leave to manage the situation. Schools have been asked to prioritize vulnerable students and children of key workers. Efforts will also be made to minimize the impact on exams and formal assessments.
NEU’s Stance and Demands: The NEU teachers’ strikes in England are primarily motivated by the desire for an above-inflation pay increase, along with additional funding to ensure that pay rises do not come at the expense of existing school budgets. While most state school teachers in England received a 5% pay rise for the year 2022-23, the government offered an additional one-off payment of £1,000 and increased the offer for the next year to 4.3%. However, all four unions involved in the dispute rejected the offer, arguing that it would require cuts in other areas and is not fully funded.
Advice and Support: We understand the concerns you may have about your child’s education during this time. The NEU has issued guidance to support head teachers in providing the minimum level of teaching staff necessary for students taking exams to attend school. Furthermore, schools must ensure support for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals if closures occur. It is essential to stay informed through regular communication with your child’s school and check for any updates or specific arrangements they may have in place.
Conclusion: We recognize the impact that the teachers’ strikes may have on your family’s routine and your child’s education. While we encourage schools to remain open whenever possible, we understand the challenges faced by teachers and their desire for fair pay and adequate funding. As parents, you have options such as requesting leave or seeking alternative arrangements for childcare during the strike days. We advise staying in close contact with your child’s school for the latest information and support.
Please remember that the Department for Education has expressed concern about the potential harm to pupils’ learning caused by further strike action. We hope that both sides can find a resolution that addresses the needs and concerns of teachers, parents, and most importantly, the well-being of the students.
