Reduction in Class Contact Time – Some Progress
The SSTA, along with other teacher unions, has finally received the COSLA report Reduction in Class Contact Time and the Scottish Government’s Proposal for the Next Steps on Reduced Class Contact Time (RCCT), ahead of a special SNCT meeting on Wednesday, 20 August. Both documents raise significant issues that must be addressed.
The COSLA report was confusing, misleading, and lacked the necessary detail to support the practical implementation of reduced class contact time. Many would consider the paper “incompetent,” given that it took more than six months to produce despite the involvement of senior experts. Teachers would face severe criticism if they failed to complete a report within such a timescale.
By contrast, the Scottish Government’s paper offered a number of proposals and, most importantly, set out a work plan for the SNCT RCCT subgroup. This subgroup is tasked with urgently developing a clear route map for the delivery of RCCT. The SNCT Teachers’ Side reminded both COSLA and the Scottish Government that it remains in dispute over RCCT, with consultative surveys on industrial action already underway. The priority, therefore, must be meaningful engagement on how RCCT will be implemented.
The SNCT Teachers’ Side has not agreed to any of the proposals presented in the papers, pointing out that these issues could and should have been addressed at any point during the past six months. A series of meetings is now being arranged to develop a delivery plan, but any further delays risk triggering ballots for industrial action. While RCCT alone will not solve the problem of excessive teacher workload, it represents an important first step.
Delivering the 90 Minutes and Protecting Secondary Teachers – Consultative Survey
The SSTA member survey is a vital part of our campaign to reduce excessive teacher workload. The survey closes on Thursday, 28 August, and we strongly encourage all members who have not yet responded to take part and ensure their views are heard.
If you have not received an invitation to complete the survey, please contact SSTA Head Office at info@ssta.org.uk
Education Scotland’s Professional Learning Sessions – New guidance
Education Scotland has requested that we highlight the following professional learning sessions on the new guidance published in June are now live for school staff. The sessions can be booked via the following links:
- New Guidance: Fostering a positive, inclusive and safe school environment – 27th August 2025 | Events | Education Scotland
- Violence, aggression and dangerous behaviour risk assessment guidance – 3rd September 2025 | Events | Education Scotland
- Addressing Racism and Racist Incidents: New Guidance and Practice Tickets, Wed, Sep 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite
There will also be an initial professional learning session on Thursday 21st August which will outline the national educational policy landscape, the relationships and behaviour action plan and guidance, and information about Education Scotland’s supporting professional learning programme ‘It’s all about relationships’ running between now and December 2025.
Relationships and behaviour: policy, guidance and professional learning – 21st August 2025 | Events | Education Scotland
Recruit a Member
The start of the new term brings fresh faces to our staffrooms. Please take a moment to welcome new colleagues and encourage them to join the SSTA. One new member in every school makes a real difference. There are several great offers for new members—just direct them to the SSTA website, where joining is quick and easy. www.ssta.org.uk/join
SSTA Membership Offers
- NQTS – Free Until January 2027
- New Members – 50% off subscription fees for the first 12 months
- Part-time members – Pay a reduced subscription of 50% off the full-time subscription.