Highland Council confirms that all schools will be closed during strike action

Related article: All Highland schools set to close on strike day

Highland Council has confirmed that all schools will be closed during planned strike action by teachers.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union yesterday announced 16 days of rolling strike action which would affect each of the country's 32 local authority areas until February 6.

On each day two areas will be affected and schools in the Highlands are set to close on January 31.

A council spokeswoman said that parents were informed this week via a letter from Nicky Grant who is the authority's head of education and learning.

In her letter Ms Grant said the action by EIS members would affect all Highland schools and added: "This action is part of a national dispute regarding pay.

"The safe supervision of children and young people is of the utmost importance and given that we anticipate significantly reduced numbers of both management and teaching staff in schools and early learning and childcare settings, a decision has been made to close all schools to pupils.

"I apologise for the inconvenience this will cause, however it is hoped that by communicating this decision early that it will allow parents/carers to plan ahead.

"While the council has been formally notified by teacher unions of their intention to strike, if there are any developments at a national level that averts strike action taking place, you will be notified of this through the council website, our social media platforms, as well as your child’s usual school communication channels."

She added that, in summary, on Tuesday, January 31:

• All primary schools including local authority ELC and out of school care settings will be closed to pupils.

• All secondary schools will be closed to pupils;

• All special schools and off-site provision will be closed to pupils;

• 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);

• School Crossing Patrols will not operate on this day;

• School Transport will not operate on this day.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.