SSTA response to COSLA’s Press Statement raising concerns on ‘Reduction in Class Contact Time’
The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee reviewed the COSLA’s Press Statement on the ‘Reduction in Class Contact Time’ (RCCT). 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. But focused upon financial difficulties, the negative impact upon other services, and children and young people.
The SSTA welcomes COSLA’s recognition of the importance of reducing class contact time (RCCT) and its commitment to continued engagement through the SNCT. However, we must be clear that RCCT is a national commitment made by the Scottish Government and fully endorsed through the national negotiating machinery. Teachers should not be placed in the middle of disagreements about funding or responsibility between national and local government.
Peter Brandon, SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Convenor said.
“The financial pressures facing local authorities are real, but they cannot be used to stall or dilute a commitment that is essential to the sustainability of the teaching profession and to improving support for children and young people. RCCT is not an optional policy; it is a contractual requirement in development, and one that must be properly resourced”.
“The SSTA therefore supports COSLA in pressing the Scottish Government to provide the funding necessary but equally stresses that local authorities have a duty to participate constructively in planning for implementation rather than presenting obstacles”.
Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary added.
“On COSLA’s concerns about the impact on children and young people, the evidence is already clear:
- Teacher workload is at unsustainable levels.
- High-quality learning and teaching requires adequate professional time.
- Meeting pupils’ needs, including those with additional support needs, depends on teachers having the capacity to respond effectively.
- RCCT is designed precisely to address these issues. To suggest that reducing teacher workload might harm pupils misunderstands the reality in schools. Improving teacher capacity is improving pupil experience.
“The SSTA agrees that proper assessment and planning are essential. That is why implementation must proceed through a nationally negotiated framework within the SNCT, backed by transparent funding commitments from the Scottish Government and clear operational planning from local authorities”.
To summarise:
- COSLA is right to highlight that funding from the Scottish Government is required, and the SSTA supports that call.
- Funding debates cannot be used to block or delay RCCT, which is a nationally agreed commitment.
- RCCT is a measure that will benefit children and young people by ensuring teachers have the time necessary to deliver high-quality learning and support.
- Local authorities must work with the profession to plan for delivery, not frame RCCT as a threat to services or outcomes.
“The SSTA remains committed to working with COSLA and the Scottish Government through the SNCT to ensure that RCCT is delivered in a way that is properly funded, consistent across Scotland, and genuinely improves conditions for teachers and learners alike. It is unfortunate that SSTA members have to embark on a ballot for industrial action to show the employers how important the reduction in teacher class contact time is for teachers and to the benefit of all our children and young people”
VOTE ‘YES’ TO BOTH QUESTIONS IN THE BALLOT