Highland Council’s former “Children’s Champion” has condemned the Scottish Government’s plans to impose a 25-hour teaching week in primary schools.
Most schools in the north operate a 22.5-hour week for pupils from P1 to P3
Councillor Linda Munro said: “If this was to become legislation, I believe it would have major and severe implications for Highland children, families and communities.
“Most Highland primary schools have operated a 22.5-hour week in P1 to P3 classes for as long as I can remember. This involves 272 classes, from the North of Sutherland and Caithness to Badenoch, and it is largely because of the length of the day for young children who may have to travel considerable distances to school.
“The Highlands are not the central belt. Young children who travel to school for a 25-hour week, could be away from home for more than 35 hours – and travelling more frequently back and forward in the dark.”
“An extra half an hour in class every day would cost Highland Council at least £2million. This would be a significant additional cost at a time when our budget is reducing.
“Unless this was centrally funded by the Scottish Government, it could mean cuts elsewhere in education and children’s services.”
Liberal Democrat councillor, Carolyn Caddick, a prospective candidate for the Scottish Parliament, said: “I am truly shocked by the speed with which the Scottish Government are moving to legislate on this, without any consultation or any empirical evidence to support the change.
“Most evidence points to shorter working days being more productive for younger primary school children.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are driving a relentless effort to boost educational achievement and, critically, to make quicker progress in closing the ‘attainment gap’.
“Scotland’s teachers are absolutely critical to these efforts. That’s why we have committed investment of up to £51million this year specifically to help local authorities to maintain teacher numbers.
“It’s why we will legislate to provide certainty for pupils, parents and teachers about the length of the school week.
“Decisions on the amount of time with teachers, in class and at school should always be made based on the potential educational benefit for children, rather than on how much money can be saved.”