PENSION STRIKES: School closures update for Uttlesford
TWO of Uttlesford’s secondary schools have said they will close, or partially close, on Wednesday as thousands of public sector workers join a strike over pensions.
Mountfitchet Maths and Computing College in Stansted will close, while Saffron Walden County High School cannot remain open for students in Years 7-11.
A spokesman for MMCC told the Reporter that a “high number of staff are expecting to strike and for health and safety reasons the school will be closed”. A letter is to be sent out to parents today.
Headteacher at SWCHS, John Hartley, issued the following statement to parents on the school’s website: “After careful consideration, we have concluded that we cannot remain open for students in Years 7-11. I therefore regret to inform you that all students in these year groups will not be able to attend school on Wednesday November 30.
“In the case of Years 12 and 13, the normal timetable for the day will be suspended, but all study facilities will be open to students and we would encourage them to take advantage of this provision. In addition, teachers may also make arrangements to see particular classes or groups of sixth form students.
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“I am well aware of the disruption and inconvenience this will cause to many families, but hope that by receiving nearly a week’s notice, those affected will be able to make suitable arrangements for their children.”
The district’s two other state secondary schools – Newport Free Grammar and Helena Romanes School in Dunmow – have yet to make a decision.
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A spokesman for HRS said: “We are currently uncertain about the level of support in the school for strike action and how this will affect students. We hope to be in a position to make a decision on Monday.”
Many primary schools in the Reporter’s area will also be closing, including St Mary’s in Saffron Walden, Thaxted, Chrishall and Henham & Ugley. Others, including RA Butler and St Thomas More in Saffron Walden, have said that they will be staying open, while most other primary schools have yet to make a decision.
• YOUR VIEWS: What do you think of the proposed strike action? What will the disruption to services mean for you? Send your views to editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk
