Letter from the Headteacher (2022-23) 3

Industrial action: Standing up for the future of education

You may be aware that the National Education Union (NEU) is in dispute with the UK and Welsh Governments over teachers’ pay and conditions. I have received notification of intended industrial action over four separate days, the first of which takes place on Wednesday 1 February 2023.

This strike is part of a national dispute involving a range of public sector trade unions and does not concern any issues relating to our school. However, as a large number of staff will remove their labour on this day, we will be unable to operate the school safely.

Therefore, the school will be closed to all pupils on Wednesday 1 February 2023.

I know that school closures cause inconvenience and disruption – and I am sorry for this. Yet, teachers have not come to this decision lightly. The education sector is facing a recruitment and retention crisis, causing stressful conditions and a demoralised workforce. Schools cannot run on goodwill alone and striking teachers will be losing pay to protect the future of education, for your children and generations to come.

Whatever our own private view, I hope that we can support teachers in their efforts to improve pay and conditions. As a school leader, nothing matters more to me than the wellbeing, learning and flourishing of children. They deserve the very best start in life and only a valued, resourced and happy workforce will achieve this.

“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

As always, should you have any questions, queries or concerns, please reach out to me by email at headteacher@stteilos.com.

With every blessing,

Mr I Loynd, Headteacher