I have been informed that members of the above unions will be taking strike action on Wednesday 26th March 2014 as part of national action. This action is not part of any action against the school.

After undertaking a risk assessment of the provision of teaching on that day and likely teaching and support staff cover available, I have decided that normal standards of teaching provision and safety cannot be maintained. I have therefore decided to close the school to students on 26th March. It is still possible that negotiations may avert a strike at a late stage but I have taken the view that parents need to have at least a week’s notice of the proposed action.

I understand that this may pose difficulties for parents with regard to childcare and other arrangements but I am sure that you will acknowledge that the safety of young people is paramount. There are no external GCSE/A Level examinations on this day.

Students can still access our Learning Platform and resources via the internet at www.aldevalley.suffolk.sch.uk so they can continue to learn at home on 26th March.

Senior Leaders will be interviewing some Year 11 students on the day to assist them in making greater progress before GCSE examinations. Parents will be contacted in due course.

The school will resume its normal teaching provision for all students on Thursday 27th March.

Yours sincerely,