Schools in Caithness close next week due to strike action

Schools in Caithness will close next week due to planned strike action by teaching unions and letters were sent out to all parents today to keep them updated.

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), Highland Council has taken the decision to close schools to pupils across the region on this date.

A council spokesperson said: "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 this morning (Friday, November 18) 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.

While the council has been formally notified by the EIS and AHDS of their intention to strike, if there are any developments at a national level, and if strike action is averted in schools, this will be notified through the council website www.highland.gov.uk and through our social media, as well as usual school communication channels.

A BACS payment will be made for those children and young people entitled to a free school meal based on low income (not universal entitlement).

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