Highland schools closed today as strike action goes ahead

Schools across the Highlands are closed today following an early decision taken by the local authority in response to the likely impact of strike action.

Highland Council last Friday notified its intention over closure of primary, secondary and special schools it operates as well as early learning centre settings it runs today (Thursday).

It said: "Following notification of strike action by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and the Association of Head Teacher and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS) unions on Thursday, November 24 2022, Highland Council has taken the decision to close schools to pupils across Highland on this date.

"The safe supervision of children and young people is of utmost importance and, given that we anticipate significantly reduced numbers of both management and teaching staffing in schools and early learning and childcare settings, a decision has been made to close all educational establishments to pupils.

"It is hoped that a clear decision will enable parents and carers to plan ahead for the disruption expected. A letter has been sent to all parents... through the usual school channels.

"All primary schools including local authority ELC settings will be closed to pupils, and all secondary schools, special schools and off-site provision will be closed to pupils on November 24. School crossing patrols will not be in operation on this day, and school transport will not operate on this day."

It said a BACS payment will be made for those children and young people entitled to a free school meal based on low income.

Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and the Association of Head Teachers and Deputes Scotland (AHDS) are expected to be on picket lines outside schools and at rallies in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Inverness in the morning and outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh during the afternoon.

Further strikes over a bid to keep pay in line with soaring inflation have not been ruled out.

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