Schools are sharing a letter with their parents/ carers from Head of Education Nicola McDowell to advise of the impacts of industrial action on all schools and nurseries 28 February and 1 March 2023
Dear Parents and Carers
Further to previous communications in regards to strike action, I can now advise that two further days of strike action on 28 February and 1 March 2023 have been declared by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the Association of Head Teachers and Deputes Scotland (AHDS), Scottish Secondary Schools Association (SSTA) and National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT).
We are anticipating that the above action will go ahead and all services affected have discussed the impact that this action will have on the health and safety of our children and young people given that there will be a significantly reduced number of teaching staff, including those in leadership positions in our schools and Early Learning and Childcare settings.
The following will now be the case, unless there is any last-minute change which I will communicate to you if necessary:
Tuesday 28th February 2023 and Wednesday 1st March 2023 (EIS - all teachers in Primary and Secondary schools and AHDS for all schools)
All East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary schools and Early Learning and Childcare settings will be closed to all children and young people for learning on Tuesday 28th February 2023 and Wednesday 1st March 2023
- Lets in Primary schools for breakfast, after school and sports clubs can continue
- All ASN and Home to School transport will not operate for Primary and Secondary pupils
- A BACs payment will be made for those children and young people who qualify for a free school meal under the income threshold and whose schools are closed.
As I have said in previous letters, I understand the disruption that this causes to our families however I must prioritise ensuring the health and safety of our children and young people.
While the formal notification from the EIS, AHDS and SSTA states their intention to strike on these days, there remains a possibility that ongoing pay negotiations may mean that the strikes are called off. I will keep you informed of any further developments and arrangements via our website and your child’s school as soon as I can.
Yours sincerely
Nicola McDowell
Head of Education