Industrial Action update - 1st March

Dear Parent/Carer,

Re: Industrial Action Update – Wednesday 1^st March 2023 - Update

Further to our letter on 15^th February, we write today to confirm that NEU industrial action is set to go ahead on Wednesday 1^st March 2023. The number of teachers who are NEU members at Swanshurst indicates we need to continue with our plan to restrict attendance for pupils. Therefore, the majority of information in this letter is a reminder.

Will school be open to all pupils on 1^st March?

No. School will be open to Year 11, Year 13, for vulnerable pupils, those with an EHCP and for children of critical workers only. Year 11 and 13 will attend as normal, following a programme of examination master classes. Provision for vulnerable pupils, those with an EHCP and pupils whose parents/ carers are critical workers will be based in computer rooms where they will follow the work set online. All other pupils will be working at home on activities set via Edulink on the day.

What will happen for pupils who have GCSE NEAs (non-examination assessments)?

There are no NEAs set to take place on March 1^st.

Will Free School Meals (FSM) be provided for eligible pupils?

Yes, as long as a meal has been requested in advance. For pupils who are eligible for FSM, we are able to offer a packed lunch for collection at 12:30pm on the day from The Hub. To request a packed lunch, you must complete the relevant section of the form linked below.  

For pupils who are attending onsite provision, food will be provided by the canteen as normal at break and lunchtime.

How will places for on-site provision be allocated?

Year 11 and 13, all pupils are on site and will be following a bespoke programme of revision masterclasses. The programme and rooming for the day has been published to pupils via Edulink and/ or email.  

For vulnerable pupils, pastoral staff have identified those who should be offered a place in our on-site provision using the guidance provided by The Department for Education. Families of these pupils will be contacted over the coming days for places to be confirmed.

For pupils with an EHCP, pastoral or SEND staff will be in touch with families over the coming days for places to be confirmed.

For children of critical workers, we require parents/ carers to review the enclosed list which defines ‘critical worker’ status. If your role falls into this category and you require on-site provision for your child on 1^st March, you must complete the relevant section of this form: https://forms.office.com/e/FNx5KsJrnR. Please note that on-site provision or an FSM packed lunch will not be provided unless this form is complete. 

For pupils working at home, how will work be set?

For all other pupils, independent work from Oak National Academy or other resources will be set. This work will be set on Edulink and will be available from 8:40 am on 1^st March. The work set will be for English, mathematics and science and will either consolidate recent learning or provide pre-learning for the upcoming curriculum content in these subjects.

We hope this provides you with a helpful update on our plans.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact school via enquiry@swanshurst.org.

Yours faithfully,

Mr M Dunn

Head Teacher