Strikes: communicating with parents, staff and stakeholders

Find out who you have to inform about industrial action and school closures, and use our template letters to tell parents what your school's arrangements are. Also, get guidance on talking to striking and non-striking staff.

Last reviewed on 10 August 2023See updates
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Contents
  1. Give as much warning as possible
  2. Download our letters to parents
  3. Talk to your staff about strikes

Give as much warning as possible

Tell your school community as soon as you know that strikes or industrial action are happening, even if you're not sure how you will respond yet. This will help make sure that you're getting support from your governors throughout the whole process, and giving parents enough time to make arrangements.

Take a look at our FAQs for industrial action and the DfE's updated guidance on handling strike action in schools for more support on making plans.

You should inform:

  • Governors
  • Parents
  • Your local authority (LA)
  • Your academy trust and/or diocesan representative (where appropriate)

In maintained schools: it's the headteacher's decision whether to close your school or not. You don't need permission from any