Cut to Falkirk school week would hit poorest families and disabled children the hardest
Families on low incomes and disabled children will be most affected by Falkirk Council' s plans to cut school hours in the district, according to a new report.
The proposal to reduce the school week so that all pupils are off on Friday afternoons will be debated by elected members of Falkirk Council at a meeting on October 3.
The report to councillors makes clear that the changes are expected to save more than £6 million, which would play a vital part in helping the council address a budget shortfall of £56 million over the next five years.
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Without such a change, education chiefs say there will be no alternative to cutting the number of subjects being offered to older pupils and slashing teacher numbers overall.
They believe that the asymmetric week being proposed would enhance the well-being of both pupils and teachers and make it easier to offer professional development to staff.
They also say the change will not impact on attainment as the focus will be "on the quality of learning rather than just the quantity of hours".
But the report follows a consultation with parents, carers, pupils and others and their overwhelming opposition to the proposal and concerns about its impact are captured in the report.
Many parents - and some older pupils - fear that cutting time in the classroom will inevitably have a direct effect on pupils' performance in exams.
Another huge issue - raised time and time again in responses - is the cost and availability of childcare.
And an Equalities and Poverty Impact Assessment (EPIA) included in the report to councillors, makes clear that those most affected will be people on low incomes and disabled pupils with additional support needs.
Parents with disabled children say there is already a lack of suitable childcare options, even for those who can afford it.
The consultation also showed that while many pupils would welcome the shorter week, many children and young people with learning disabilities and autism would find the change to routine very difficult.
Pupils from poorer families will also be most affected by the fact that hot school meals will no longer be offered on a Friday, although lunches will still be available.
The report also acknowledges that the overall impact will be felt most by women, who generally bear most responsibility for childcare.
Asking councillors to back the plans, the report highlights several ways that the many concerns raised would be mitigated.
In particular, Activity Hubs across seven secondary schools are being proposed, potentially offering free or low cost activities on Friday afternoons for primary school children.
It also suggests that the fact that all pupils from P5 on have their own iPad means learning can take place at home, pledging to find a way to support families on low incomes who don't always have WiFi.
The papers also make clearer exactly how the money will be saved.
While no-one will lose their job, specialists in subjects such as music and art will no longer visit primary schools.
Over time, these roles will not be replaced and primary school teachers will deliver all of the curriculum.
What is not clear, however, is how the council intends to negotiate the Scottish Government's commitment to maintaining current learning hours - and legislating if necessary to prevent reductions.
By reducing teacher numbers, they also run the risk of losing Scottish Government funding of around £4.5 million.
However, with one of the biggest gaps between spending and income in Scotland, the council is adamant that this is the best option for everyone.
Jon Reid, Director of Education, said: "The report acknowledges the complexities involved in balancing the need for cost savings with the imperative to maintain educational quality, but it argues that the proposed changes offer the best path forward.
“If approved, the Council will closely monitor the impact of the changes on pupil attainment, well-being, and educational outcomes.
"A formal review process would be implemented to ensure any issues are addressed promptly.
“Ultimately, it is for elected members to decide the options to be taken at the meeting."
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