CONCERNS have been expressed from teachers and parents about plans to change the school week in Dumfries and Galloway.
A consultation is currently underway on a council proposal to move to a 4.5 day week in secondary schools initially, but later to include primaries.
However, the EIS union has concerns about the new shape of the school week, the length of the school day and its impact on primary school children.
They have also flagged up “an admission by the council” that their motivation is to align secondary timetables across the authority to put more classes online.
EIS local association secretary Andrew O’Halloran said: “It is disappointing the council has chosen to consult on changes to the shape of the school week without revealing which day they intend to shorten.
“However, the presentation to teaching staff did make it clear that these changes would facilitate more online learning. This can only lead to cuts in teacher numbers and a poorer learning experience for children and young people.”
EIS treasurer Elaine Dennis, who is a primary teacher, added: “There are issues with the proposed length of the days, in particular afternoons which would be completely inappropriate for primary-age children.”
Meanwhile, several parents have been critical of the format of the consultation.
Zoë Bleasdale said: “Their survey is awful. There’s no real place to put negative opinions about it.
“Who is going to look after the primary age children whose parents work on a Friday? It’s hard enough trying to find work that fits in with school as it is. Not everywhere will do flexible working.
“They have already made their minds up and it will not matter what anyone else has to say about it.”
Lyndsay Maxwell believes it is being funded by existing cuts to learning support in the classrooms and said: “Would they not be better investing their efforts and funds in our schools where it is really needed instead of trying to change something that doesn’t need changed. Not to mention the pressure this change would have on parents that work and won’t have the childcare to accommodate this change.
“I seriously question the decision making of our council and suggest they focus more on supporting our children and teachers in the classroom.”
Dumfries mum Sammy Morgan called the proposal “absolutely absurd” and branded the consultation “one sided”, adding: “I can’t accommodate this with our jobs and I’m sure many are the same.
“Our children need educating, not more time off. I feel like they are just doing what they want when this is our children’s education and future.
“It will work for some but not for others. It already works for all of us so why change it?”
