SSTA response to Scottish Government ‘A National Deal for Scotland’s Teachers’
The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee reviewed the Scottish Government ‘A National Deal for Scotland’s Teachers’. The committee stated that the paper avoided the use of the additional 90 minutes as planning, preparation and correction and in the control of the teacher. Therefore, the planned ballot for industrial action must continue.
The SSTA welcomes the Scottish Government’s continued recognition that reducing class contact time (RCCT) is essential to supporting teachers’ professional responsibilities and improving outcomes for young people. However, we must be clear that the delivery of the promised reduction in class contact time remains the first priority. This commitment must be honoured in full and without delay.
RCCT is not one initiative among many. It is the key mechanism to ensure teachers have the professional time required for planning, assessment, meeting learners’ needs, and contributing to whole-school improvement. These activities cannot be undertaken effectively while class contact time remains at its current level. Without RCCT, none of the wider ambitions for the education system are achievable.
Peter Brandon, SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Convenor said.
“The Government’s paper presents a range of potential approaches for implementation. While the SSTA is willing to engage constructively through the SNCT, we must emphasise that reorganisation of existing time, changes to the school week, or speculative “innovative” models cannot substitute for the fundamental requirement: increased capacity in the system. RCCT must be created through investment and staffing, not by shifting pressure elsewhere in the school day”.
“The suggestion that local pilots or tests of change should begin immediately is premature. Implementation cannot proceed in advance of a national agreement. RCCT is a contractual matter that requires clear, consistent arrangements across Scotland. Local experimentation ahead of SNCT negotiation risks confusion, inconsistency, and added workload at school level—precisely the opposite of what RCCT is intended to address”.
“We note the proposals around redefining non-contact time. The SSTA remains open to discussions, but any revised framework must ensure that professional time remains genuinely at teachers’ discretion and directly supports their core duties. It cannot become a vehicle for increased direction or an expansion of tasks”.
Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary added.
“The SSTA recognises the Government’s interest in developing a wider National Deal. Pay, workload reduction, and improved conditions are important ongoing discussions. However, the delivery of RCCT is a standalone commitment and cannot be tied to or traded against other elements. RCCT must be implemented on its own merits, as promised.
In summary:
- RCCT must be implemented first and in line with the existing national commitment.
- National agreement through the SNCT must precede any local pilots or changes.
- RCCT must be created through additional capacity, not repackaging of existing time.
- Any changes to non-contact time must protect professional autonomy and avoid increased workload.
“The SSTA remains committed to working constructively with the Scottish Government and COSLA. But the profession needs certainty, not further delay. Delivering reduced class contact time is essential to ensuring teachers can meet the needs of Scotland’s young people and must now be the immediate focus of implementation”
Yours sincerely
Seamus Searson
General Secretary