Teaching union sets out priorities ahead of local elections
The EIS made the plea as it published a manifesto setting out five priorities ahead of the May 4 vote.
Scotland's largest teaching union has said schools must not be used as “political footballs” in the run-up to the local government elections.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) made the plea as it published a manifesto setting out five priorities ahead of the May 4 vote.
The union urges councils to tackle workloads for teachers, end cuts to school budgets, and better support and staffing for pupils with additional support needs.
The EIS also calls for agreement on a national staffing standard “to protect teacher numbers and ensure consistency of provision across the country” and a commitment from councils to a “fair pay increase for teachers following years of pay decline”.
General secretary Larry Flanagan said: “It is absolutely vital that all local council candidates and all political parties fully appreciate the importance of education to their communities.
“The most important message that all politicians need to hear is that our schools, teachers and learners should not be used as political footballs to score party-political points.
“All local councillors - be they party affiliated or independent; in power or in opposition - have an obligation to support the work of our comprehensive school system.
“Scottish education benefited previously from a strong commitment to a partnership approach - both between the main political parties and between local and national government. That consensus needs to be re-established to ensure stronger support for our schools.”