Falkirk Council’s plan to reduce school hours in a cost-saving measure of £6 million over five years could face a delay as the SNP administration proposes waiting for the budgets of the UK and Scottish Government to be announced. The controversial proposal, set to be discussed at a Falkirk Council meeting this week, has already faced opposition from Labour, Conservative groups, and Independent councillors.
The Scottish Government has made it clear that any reduction in teacher numbers resulting from the changes could lead to legislation on the required hours pupils must spend in school. Furthermore, Holyrood Ministers have stated that they will withhold funding of £4.5 million in case teacher numbers are decreased.
The proposal, aimed at saving £6 million over five years, would see primary pupils’ hours reduced from 25 to 22.5 hours per week and secondary pupils’ hours from 26 hours 40 minutes to 24 hours 45 minutes. The SNP, as a minority administration, is suggesting postponing the final decision until the financial situation of the council becomes clearer.
Councillor Iain Sinclair, Falkirk North, emphasized the complexity of the learning week proposals, recognizing the concerns raised by families, especially those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and younger children. The SNP administration intends to defer the decision until after the UK and Scottish Government budget announcements are made, allowing for more informed decision-making.
Falkirk Council officials, in collaboration with headteachers, argue that the proposed changes are necessary to prevent more severe cuts to education. While the SNP acknowledges the financial risks of delaying the plans, they believe that waiting for the budget announcements will provide a better understanding of the implications for local services.
Opposition to the proposal has been widespread, with the Labour group expressing concerns about jeopardizing children’s futures. Parent Councils in the district have also voiced apprehensions about the impact of reduced school hours on families, childcare availability, and children’s educational opportunities compared to those in other areas.
The final decision on the proposal is expected to be made in December, following the announcements of the UK and Scottish Government budgets. The upcoming Falkirk Council meeting will address this issue, with various stakeholders closely monitoring the outcome.