As you will be aware, following a recent ballot, Teaching Assistants across Durham County Council, who are affected by the proposals to change terms and conditions, have voted to take industrial action in the form of a strike. I would like to inform you that strike action is planned to take place on Tuesday 8th November and Wednesday 9thNovember.
How will this affect my children?
As headteacher, I am responsible, in consultation with the Chair of Governors, for deciding what will happen in our school during the strike period.
This strike action will lead to a significant reduction in staffing levels and consequently there will be health and safety implications for all pupils within our school. My decision has been informed by the risk assessment that I have carried out to determine the impact of the strike on the health and safety of pupils and staff. The decision I have made is that the school will be closed to all pupils on the above dates.
I appreciate that closing the school will cause inconvenience for families. However, can I assure you once again that in forming my decision I have taken into account the safety and well-being of all pupils and school staff. I will inform you if further developments arise.
Mr L Duncan (Headteacher)