Industrial Action

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following my recent letter about industrial action being taken by some colleagues, I am writing to provide you with a specific update for Outwood Academy Hindley.

As you know, teaching unions have raised concerns over the potential associated workload linked to our new extended day. Despite many months of discussions there has not yet been a resolution to these concerns to their satisfaction. Both the NASUWT and NEU have confirmed that, following a ballot, their colleagues will take strike action next term.

The initial strike action will take place tomorrow on 3 June 2025. Tomorrow the school will only be open to Year 11 students who will come in as normal and receive final revision sessions to prepare for their examinations, particularly their maths paper which they will sit on Wednesday.

Other students will access work via Google Classroom following their normal timetable. If their teacher is not a member of a union taking part in industrial action, their lessons will be delivered live by those members of staff online.

I can now confirm that at present there are additional strike action planned for:

We will be open to Year 11 students only on 10th and 11th June and will open to Y10 on 17th and 18th June. On 19th June there is a College visit to Wigan and Leigh which will go ahead and which will allow us to also open to Year 7.

Whilst we are disappointed that we have not been able to reach agreement, we acknowledge the right of union members to take industrial action. We continue to be committed to finding a way forward that addresses the points raised by employees.

By opening for KS4 students we are doing what we can to minimise the impact to students’ preparation for examinations and there are a number of colleagues who are coming in to teach their Y11 classes. With a majority of members taking action, some disruption is unavoidable however work will be placed on Google Classroom to ensure that students who are off school are able to access learning.

I wish to give you my commitment as Principal to doing all that I can to seek a resolution to this action as quickly as possible.

Yours faithfully

J Norman

Principal