WMAT Q&A

Potential industrial action by some members of the National Education Union (NEU)

Why are some NEU members taking strike action?

One of the key issues to be raised by the NEU is staff terms and conditions in the event we become an academy and join the West Midlands Academy Trust (WMAT). Throughout our extensive consultation activities, we have been able to provide firm assurances to staff on the protection of their terms and conditions of employment.

For the majority, these assurances have been welcomed and accepted. However, for a number of members of the NEU and to everyone’s disappointment, these assurances have been deemed insufficient.

We have reiterated in writing to all staff that there is no threat to terms and conditions for teachers or support staff. We have guaranteed that WMAT will continue to follow national terms and conditions for all staff and adhere to all necessary consultation activities in the future, just as Birmingham City Council does now.

Having made these commitments and repeated them many times, we are left unclear on the reasons for the NEU’s dispute.

Have staff’s views been gathered and considered?

Yes, extensively. Our staff are our most important resource, and the Governing Body would not make any decision which has a detrimental impact on staff. We have engaged in ongoing dialogue, informal and formal consultation with staff. We have ensured parents and pupils remain up to date since January 2024.

As well as many ongoing conversations, there have been a total of nine separate activities in which staff have been updated and given the opportunity to share their views. The views expressed have been shared fully with the Governing Body to inform their decision-making process.

Does this apply to all NEU members?

No. Some NEU members have been satisfied with the assurance we have provided and did not vote or act to take strike action. The total number of those who took strike action represents approximately 32% of our teachers and 16% of our total staff body. Whilst we want everyone to be happy with our plans for the future, this demonstrates that the NEU’s stance is not that of the majority.

Is there to be any more strike action?

Potentially, yes. We are extremely disappointed that the NEU have suggested further strike days to its members. We know many of you will share this feeling, both because of the disruption it causes to your child’s education but also the wider disruption it causes to family life and commitments that parents and carers have. If these proposed strike days go ahead, we will be able to open the school but unfortunately this will not be for all pupils. We have been notified of the following days of potential strike action in September:

• Friday 06 September 2024
• Wednesday 11 September 2024
• Friday 20 September 2024
• Wednesday 25 September 2024
• Monday 30 September 2024

We have expressed our disappointment and concern with this to the NEU. We have notified the NEU that we are willing to pause the process of our conversion to become an academy whilst further constructive discussions take place to provide further assurance about the protection of staff’s terms and conditions as we convert to become an academy.

The NEU have not yet confirmed they are willing to reach this compromise. We have set a deadline of 3^rd September to hear from the NEU so that we can plan effectively. We will therefore write with an update on 3^rd September to all parents/ carers.

If the NEU continue, how will school operate on these days?

Year 11 and Year 13 will not miss any time at school. Year 7 will also be prioritised to support their effective transition to secondary school.

School will be open to selected year groups on each day of industrial action if it goes ahead. Year groups who are not in school will be set work to complete remotely at home, just as we did in 2022-2023 when national industrial action took place regarding teacher pay and when we had to adjust attendance when our gas supply was interrupted. Vulnerable pupils and those with an EHCP will be catered for in school. Pupils who are eligible for free school meals will be invited to collect a lunch package on each day. The schedule of attendance will be as follows:

We expect that many pupils will be taught their normal lessons by their usual teacher. Where this is not possible, arrangements will be made for classes to take place with adjustments.

The above is subject to change. If amendments to our plans are needed, we will notify families and pupils as soon as possible and we will provide a confirmation of plans on 3^rd September.

If the NEU agree to our request to pause their action and/ or a resolution to the dispute is reached, we will again notify you as soon as possible.

What are you doing to resolve this dispute?

We continue our commitment to constructive discussion with NEU as well as all other trade unions who represent Swanshurst’s staff. We have communicated with NEU during the summer holiday. Unfortunately, so far our attempts with NEU’s representatives have been unsuccessful as they are unwilling to accept our firm assurances. We have invited further discussions and hope to resolve the current dispute the NEU have initiated as soon as possible.

As set out previously, there is a very clear rationale for the proposal to become one of the founding members of WMAT and we remain committed to ensuring the best possible education for our students and the continued success of Swanshurst School. A full summary of the key information can be found here.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support during this period. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact school via enquiry@swanshurst.org.