Students asked to stay at home as teachers start second round of strike action

Multiple year groups miss out on face-to-face teaching

Schools across the Island have asked numerous year groups to stay at home today due to industrial action.

Members of the NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union are striking for two days (11 and 12 January) in an ongoing dispute over pay, workload and working practices.

Secondary school headteachers say they’re working on a ‘worst case scenario’ by asking hundreds of children to stay at home and are assuming all teachers, who belong to the union, won’t be at work.

They’ve advised parents of the plans which are in place which include:

Ramsey Grammar School

• Years 7,8,9,10 and 11 should remain at home both days and access remote learning
• Year 11 students who have external UCM lessons asked to attend college as normal
• Years 12 and 13 should attend school as normal – either for normal or independent study
• Specialist Provision Centre open
• Cold packed lunches available for families eligible for free school meals

“I am fully aware of the impact these arrangements have on our young people and their families but I have been left with no other option given the potential number of teachers that will not be in work.” – Sarah Findlater (Headteacher at Ramsey Grammar School)

QEII High School

• Years 7,8,9,10 should remain at home both days and access remote learning
• Year 11 students should attend school for both days in preparation for mock exams
• Years 12 and 13 should attend school as normal with sixth form collaboration lessons continuing
• Specialist Provision Centre open
• Small number of vulnerable students may be invited to school to facilitate online learning
• Cold packed lunches available for families eligible for free school meals
• School buses expected to run as normal

“I am aware of the impact that this difficult decision may have on our families however the arrangements are essential in order to keep are students safe.” Charlotte Clarke (Headteacher at QEII)

St Ninian’s High School

• Years 7,8,9,10 and 11 should remain at home both days and access remote learning
• Years 12 and 13 students to attend school as normal
• Specialist Provision Centre open
• Children eligible for free school meals have been advised of arrangements
• Year 13 parents evening (Thursday) taking place as normal

“Can I thank you again for your ongoing patience and support through these difficult times.” Chris Coole (Headteacher at St Ninian’s)

Castle Rushen High School

• Years 7, 8, 9 and most of Year 10 to stay at home and access remote learning
• Year 11 students to attend periods one to four in school with afternoon learning sessions optional
• Years 12 and 13 to attend school as normal
• Specialist Provision Centre open
• Vulnerable students invited to school to facilitate online learning
• Limited school meals
• Cold packed lunches available for families eligible for free school meals
• School buses running as normal

“You have my continued thanks for your ongoing patience and support through these challenging times.” Keith Winstanley (Headteacher at Castle Rushen)

Ballakermeen

• Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 to stay at home and access remote learning
• Year 10 students who have external UCM lessons asked to attend college as normal but no transport provided
• Specialist Provision Centre open
• Sixth Form Centre open – Key Stage Five students asked to attend lessons as normal
• Year 13 mock examinations to go ahead as normal
• Cold packed lunches available for families eligible for free school meals

“I continue to appreciate the impact that this will have on our young people and families.” – Graeme Corrin (Headteacher at Ballakermeen)

NASUWT teachers are due to strike again on 15 and 16 February.