I remain committed to doing whatever I can to support a permanent end to strike action by the National Education Union (NEU) at Wombourne High School and a return to the classroom for pupils, particularly those currently in GCSE year groups.
So far:
- I have met with the Headteacher and Chair of Governors at Wombourne High School, and the Invictus Trust on several occasions, most recently yesterday (Monday 2nd February) to understand the dispute from their perspective and represent the full extent of parent’s frustrations in person;
- I have also written to the Trust to reinforce this point, urging them to implement a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to minimise harm caused by this industrial action, whilst working to avoid further strikes;
- I have contacted local colleges and sixth forms across Dudley, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire to advocate for every child to be given a fair chance to attend the sixth form or college they wish to attend;
- Finally, this week I have written to the Secretary of State for Education to understand whether there are national levers that can be pulled to reduce the impact of NEU strike action on our children.
I am doing everything within my power to act on behalf of parents and will continue to local families until all strike action has been resolved. I hope that both sides remain committed to approaching negotiations in good faith.
