Isle of Wight students may be asked to stay at home as teachers hit the picket lines next week and again in a fortnight after rejecting the government’s latest pay offer.
Earlier this month, the National Education Union (NEU) labelled the government’s pay offer as ‘insulting’, paving the way for strike days next Thursday (April 27) and Tuesday, May 2.
Teaching staff taking part in industrial action cannot be compelled to set work for their students.
Medina and Carisbrooke Colleges will close to students in years seven, eight, nine and 10 on both days.
Meanwhile, year 11 students must attend as normal, with the schools stating, “this is not optional,” and any student not attending will be marked as unauthorised if they are not absent due to illness.
All students, except year 9s on April 29, as the ‘take your child to work day’, will continue as planned, are expected to access online learning platforms, which will be monitored.
Year 11 students will have their usual lessons if their teacher is not taking strike action.
Both schools are unable to offer places to all critical worker’s children but are happy to discuss the circumstances of children of NHS staff and other emergency services. If this applies, you are asked to contact Donna Keogh at donna.keogh@iwef.org.uk.
Has your child been told to stay home from a school we've not included? Get in touch at editor@iwcp.co.uk
Ryde Academy will remain open to all students.
Parents are asked to ensure their child’s Chromebook is charged as some learning will be online.
The Bay CE School in Sandown will close its secondary site on both strike days to all students except for students with an EHCP or those who have been previously invited to attend school.
Year 11 students have also been asked to come to school and, where possible, will be taught by their usual class teacher.
Where this is not possible, they will have guided study with access to Chromebooks, and the school hopes to run several ‘Masterclasses’ where possible for them.
These students are asked to enter through the blue gates and head straight to register in the main hall, not their tutor rooms.
Emma Bowden, headteacher, said: “We have not taken this decision lightly.
“I’m sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your child at short notice, and that they will experience disruption to their education.
“I understand that this situation may be frustrating, and ask that all members of our school community continue to treat each other with respect.
“We are working closely with our staff union representatives to keep up to date with the situation, and I will inform you as soon as possible if arrangements change further.”
Cowes Enterprise College has advised it will not have enough members of staff to safely open the academy to all students on the strike days.
The college will only be open to students in years 11, 12 and 13, as well as those on the vulnerable register and the children of critical workers.
Rachel Kitley, principal, said: “We appreciate the inconvenience this will cause for some families, and we thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time.
“Please note that if your child receives free school meals, they will be able to take a packed lunch home with them the day before the strike day for the next day.
“If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the academy on 01983 203103 or email info@cowesec.org”
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