All schools in Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife are to close on the day of the teacher strike, it has been announced.
The four councils have confirmed schools will close on Thursday November 24.
The closure will affect all primary and secondary schools in all four areas, as a result of teacher strikes organised by teaching unions EIS and AHDS.
Teachers are striking over a 5% pay offer, having asked for a 10% rise.
Schools in all areas will reopen on November 25.
Some Dundee nurseries will still open
All Dundee City Council primary schools, attached nursery classes, secondary and special schools will be CLOSED to all pupils the day of strike action.
The closures on will also involve Kingspark School and the Rockwell Learning Centre.
However, the following early years settings will remain open to children and staff:
- Caird View Nursery
- Hill View Nursery
- Longhaugh Nursery
- Ballumbie Early Years Centre
- Fintry Early Years Centre
- Rowantree Early Years Centre
- Downfield Early Years Centre
- Claypotts Early Years Centre
- Wallacetown Nursery
- Baluniefield Nursery
- Coldside Nursery
- Law Nursery
- Woodlea Children’s Centre
- Frances Wright Nursery
- Jessie Porter Nursery
- Menzieshill Nursery
- Balgay Hill Nursery
- Quarry View Nursery
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “From the information available to the council, it would not be possible to safely open any primary, secondary or special schools for pupils on the day of industrial action.
“Arrangements are being made for free school meal payments to be made directly to qualifying households.”
Some Angus nurseries to remain open
Angus Council said: “Nurseries at Andover, Inverbrothock, Northmuir, Seaview, Southesk and Warddykes will open as usual on this date, and early learning and childcare centres at Carnoustie and Forfar will also open as normal.
“All other school-based childcare settings will be closed due to the industrial action.
“Where required, Angus Council will be in contact with parents and carers directly with further information.”
‘Frustrating and difficult’ situation in Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross Council has announced all local authority schools and nurseries will be closed.
Kids clubs and wraparound care will also be closed but school lets will operate as normal.
Sharon Johnston, head of education and learning with Perth and Kinross Council said, said: “We understand how frustrating and difficult this situation will be for many families.
“However, we cannot operate schools safely without the required number of staff and so have taken the difficult decision to close all schools next week.
“Negotiations are continuing at a national level and we will continue to update parents and carers about the impact of the dispute on our schools.”
Fife Council to shut all educational facilities
Fife Council says all its schools, nurseries and educational facilities will shut.
Carrie Lindsay, executive director, education and children’s services at Fife Council, said: “I fully appreciate how difficult it is for parents, carers and pupils when we have to close our schools, and I can only ask for their patience and understanding.
“We can’t know in advance how many of our teachers will join the planned strike action on Thursday.
“However, we do know that most union members voted in favour of action, so we expect a high level of participation.
“As you will understand, we can’t open our buildings to children and young people, or provide cover across all classes and subjects, without sufficient teachers.”
“So, even though some staff may come to work, we’re unlikely to be able to run any educational facility safely.”
Conversation