Teaching union welcomes plan to scrap four-and-a-half day week in Dumfries and Galloway schools

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the country’s largest teaching union, has expressed its approval of the decision to abandon plans for a four-and-a-half day week in secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway. The EIS raised concerns about the lack of clarity and numerous unanswered questions surrounding the controversial proposals. The Dumfries and Galloway councillors are expected to vote in favour of maintaining the current school timetable during their upcoming meeting at the council’s education committee.

Throughout the formal consultation process conducted by education chiefs, a significant number of parents and carers opposed the timetable changes due to potential challenges with childcare arrangements and employment. Andrew O’Halloran, the secretary of the EIS branch in Dumfries and Galloway, highlighted the lack of information provided by the council regarding the impact of the proposed changes on primary students, rural residents, online learning, and teachers’ terms of service.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth echoed concerns about the inadequate planning for the four-and-a-half day week, emphasizing the absence of solutions to fundamental issues raised by parents and teachers. The proposed schedule aimed to condense learning hours throughout the week and end school early on Fridays to enhance work-life balance for both students and staff.

Following a comprehensive consultation process that received a record number of 15,409 responses, it was revealed that opinions on the four-and-a-half day week were divided. While some supported the proposal, a significant portion remained neutral or disagreed with the changes. As a result, council officers will present a report recommending the retention of the current school timetable at the education committee meeting scheduled for this Friday.

In conclusion, the decision to abandon the four-and-a-half day week plan in Dumfries and Galloway schools has been met with approval from the EIS and concerned stakeholders. The focus now shifts to addressing academic challenges and preserving subject choices within the existing five-day school week structure.