Work is underway with Scottish councils and teaching unions to
create a plan to reduce class contact time for teachers, which is
supported by increased funding for councils of £186.5 million to
restore teacher numbers to 2023 levels.
In addition, independent work will be taken forward to examine
how reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in Scottish education can
improve teacher workload. This will be supported by guidance from
the Chief Inspector of Education.
Greater use of digital technology will also be explored to help
free up teachers' time.
Education Secretary said:
“Scotland's schools are responding to far greater pressures
post-pandemic than they did five years ago, and this is having an
impact on the teaching workload and, ultimately, children and
young people.
“We recognise the pressures facing teachers, and it is absolutely
crucial that we continue to support a delivery of measures to
ease workloads. These proposals will ultimately provide teachers
with additional time to prepare lessons and reduce the number of
hours worked outside of the school day, enhancing their wellbeing
and benefiting children and young people by providing an improved
learning experience.
“Collaborative working with trade unions and local authorities is
essential and we want this work to be delivered at pace.”
Background
The Scottish Government is working with the Scottish Negotiating
Committee for Teachers partners to develop a clear route map for
delivery of a reduction in teacher class contact time as a matter
of urgency.
