Cosla, speaking for Scottish councils, urges unions to negotiate a negotiated reduction in weekly teaching time, stressing funding needs and clarity on the policy’s impact on children, while aiming for a constructive path through SNCT to minimize disruption.

Ricky Bell reiterates the objective of reducing weekly teaching time but emphasizes funding and clear understanding of how the policy affects pupils, calling for constructive engagement to avoid disruption.

Cosla highlights the importance of constructive engagement to reduce weekly teaching time and voices concerns over funding and practical impacts on children, seeking a negotiated solution via SNCT.

Scotland faces widespread school closures as teacher strikes over workload threaten disruption, with Glasgow City Council announcing closures of all primary, secondary, and ASL schools on two specific dates.

Dundee, Fife, and Perth and Kinross anticipate significant disruption, with closures or partial openings on multiple dates; Dundee will assess impact before confirming closures and will notify parents.

Fife councils warn of strike action on set dates, warning many school buildings may be unsafe to open and advising parents of potential closures.

Progress has been made in negotiations between the EIS and the Scottish Government, but no firm agreement on workload-related reforms or policy changes has been reached.

An agreement was reached between the EIS and ministers on addressing workload pressures, but Cosla leadership must consent before it is finalised, with an update promised after a Friday meeting.

Councils plan to notify families with letters and will provide updates if talks change, as discussions continue.

The dispute highlights ongoing tension over workload reforms with broad potential effects on exams, timetables, and parental planning during a pivotal part of the school year.

Glasgow notes continued talks with the Scottish Government and Cosla, but cannot guarantee reopening on strike days given the number of striking teachers, and online learning arrangements remain unconfirmed.

The strikes follow a nationwide 10-day potential action by the EIS after a statutory ballot showed strong support for industrial action to address workloads, with overwhelming backing for ASOS and substantial turnout.