Dumfries and Galloway school timetable changes to be scrapped
The four-and-a-half day school week will not be implemented following a backlash from parents and unions in a public consultation
Last updated 29th Oct 2024
Controversial plans to move to a four-and-a-half day week in Dumfries and Galloway secondary schools are set to be scrapped after thousands of people voiced their opposition.
Education chiefs were inundated with opinions from parents, staff, trade unions, and the wider community on the proposals for a condensed learning week and school closing early on Fridays.
There were 15,409 responses to the consultation – a record number – as the council sought public opinion before any decision is made.
At next week’s education committee, a report will be tabled by council officers detailing the views shared and recommending that councillors maintain the current school timetable.
A "comprehensive consultation" on the changes took place
The document states: “Officers have been aware for some years that there was support for an asymmetric week, described in this paper as a four-and-a-half day week model.
“It was important to undertake a comprehensive consultation on this matter to establish the views of stakeholders.
“The level of engagement demonstrates that this is not an easy decision, and that people have strong views.
“Given the number of themes which highlighted concerns, officers therefore recommend to members that the current structure of the school week for primary and secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway is maintained.
“Further to this and, as agreed at Education and Learning Committee on September 14, 2023, officers will work with headteachers of secondary schools to move to a timetable structure in order to allow all our learners to have the widest course choice possible.”
"Clear majority view not established"
The summary of responses to the four-and-a-half day week plans were:
• Agree/strongly agree with the proposal – 6690 (43 percent).
• Disagree/strongly disagree with the proposal – 5785 (38 percent).
• Neutral/don’t know on the proposal – 2934 (19 percent).
The report continues: “Although 43 percent of survey respondents expressed agreement with the proposal to implement the four and a half day week model for all primary and secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway, a clear majority view has not been established from the full range of feedback.
“Moreover, a considerable number of stakeholders remain neutral or undecided.
“Furthermore, it is notable, from the findings from the full range of methodologies used, that the strength of feeling among those opposed to the proposals was often greater than the strength of feeling of those in favour of the proposals.”
Teaching union welcomes report's findings
The report’s findings have been welcomed by the EIS teaching union, with local secretary Andrew O’Halloran telling Greatest Hits Radio News: “The EIS welcomes the recommendation to shelf the proposed asymmetric school week in Dumfries and Galloway.
“There were too many unanswered questions for the proposals to be rolled out across the authority, with the council unable to provide us with clarity about the impact of the proposals on primary pupils, on those living in rural areas, as well as on online delivery and teachers’ terms and conditions of service.
“We look forward to engaging positively with the council to improve the educational experience of young people across Dumfries and Galloway.”
A final decision will be confirmed on November 8th
In a statement Dumfries and Galloway Council told Greatest Hits Radio News: “The members will debate the item at the meeting of education skills and community wellbeing committee on Friday, 8thNovember.
The report sets out recommendations based on the extensive consultation and engagement that was held and feedback that has been sought from a number of stakeholders, including, but not limited to parents, carers, staff, learners, local businesses, community, councils and elected members.
The meeting will be public and will be available for streaming at www.dumgal.gov.uk