SSTA News

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…

The SSTA continues to hear from members that disruptive behaviour by young people is a growing barrier to effective learning and teaching. Such behaviour not only impacts learners’ attainment but also increases stress and anxiety for teachers. The SSTA has consistently pressed the Scottish Government for a unified approach to supporting teachers in meeting the…

Reduction in Class Contact Time – ‘More Excuses’  The SSTA, alongside other teacher unions, has been waiting for four years to discuss the proposed 90-minute reduction in teacher class contact time—without success. The most recent SNCT meeting, held on 25 June, saw no progress, as COSLA refused to share any documentation. Throughout the summer, however, information…

The June 2025 SSTA Newsletter is available for members to download. The newsletter contains information on:

Press Release – 23 June 2025 As part of the SSTA’s campaign to reduce teachers’ class-contact time by 90 minutes, the “Delivering the 90 minutes and protecting secondary teachers” member survey was launched last week. Within days, the SSTA received nearly 1,700 responses. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary, said:“The survey shows that all secondary teachers work…

‘Delivering the 90 minutes and protecting secondary teachers’ member survey As part of the ‘Delivering the 90 minutes and protecting secondary teachers’ member survey we asked about teachers workload. You have shown how much ‘Free Overtime’ you give in the interests of the children and the school. Nearly 1,700 members have responded within a few days of the…

Relationships and Behaviour Action Plan – Welcomed by SSTA The Scottish Government published the Relationships and Behaviour Action Plan in August 2024. The 3-year action plan was developed by the Scottish Advisory Group on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools (SAGRABIS) Improving relationships and behaviour in schools: ensuring safe and consistent environments for all Joint action plan 2024 –…

‘Delivering the 90 minutes and protecting secondary teachers’ member survey Reducing class contact time is a crucial step in addressing excessive teacher workload. Despite this, employers have failed to recognise the significance of the promised 90 minutes for teachers’ wellbeing and effectiveness. Alongside other teaching unions, the SSTA has reached the limit of its patience…

‘Industrial Action Sanctioned’ – Reduction in Class Contact Time  As no progress has been made toward the long-promised reduction in class contact time, the SSTA National Executive has sanctioned a consultative survey of members for industrial action. The reduction of 90 minutes class contact time was promised by the Scottish Government four years ago and…

SNCT Pay Claim 2025-2026  ‘Doubt if it will be delivered on time’ The SNCT Teachers’ Side continues to await an improved pay offer, following the rejection of the initial 3% offer in March. The SSTA, alongside the EIS, has engaged with employers (COSLA) and the Scottish Government in efforts to reach a fair and timely…