Could Scottish Teachers Benefit from a Flexible Four-Day Workweek?

The Scottish government's new proposals for teachers could lead to a flexible four-day teaching week, reduced classroom contact time, and national minimum standards for pupil learning hours. These changes aim to enhance teachers' working conditions and improve educational outcomes. However, unions are concerned about the implementation and clarity of these plans, particularly regarding their impact on teacher workloads and strike actions.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish government has announced proposals that could transform the teaching landscape, allowing for a flexible four-day working week for teachers. This initiative, led by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, aims to reduce classroom contact time and set national minimum standards for pupil learning hours. The intention is to create a more sustainable work environment for educators, ultimately benefitting students through improved teaching quality. However, significant concerns remain regarding the practicality of these changes, especially as the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and NASUWT unions are preparing to ballot their members on strike action over class contact time issues.

Key takeaways

Proposals include a flexible four-day teaching week and reduced classroom contact time.
The EIS has expressed scepticism about the implementation of this model.
Unions are currently balloting for strike action due to unresolved issues regarding class contact time.

Timeline: how we got here

The development of the current proposals has roots in ongoing discussions regarding teachers' workloads and the need for reform in Scotland's education system. Key milestones include:

May 2021: The SNP promised during the Holyrood election to cut teacher contact time by 90 minutes per week.
June 2023: A survey by the EIS highlighted the unsustainable workload faced by teachers.
October 2023: The Scottish government announced new proposals for a flexible teaching week and reduced contact time.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Scottish government has introduced a flexible four-day working week for teachers, which could allow for later start times and extended breaks. This proposal aims to give teachers more time for professional development and lesson preparation, which has been a longstanding concern among educators.

What was already established

Previous promises from the Scottish government included a reduction in class contact time by 90 minutes weekly. This was intended to alleviate the workload of teachers, allowing them to focus on lesson planning and providing support for pupils with additional needs.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The proposed changes could lead to significant shifts in the dynamics of schooling in Scotland. With reduced classroom contact time, families may experience altered school hours and schedules, potentially impacting childcare arrangements and daily routines. The emphasis on improved teacher wellbeing might also enhance the quality of education for students, benefiting households in the long term.

Businesses and jobs

For educational institutions, this proposal could lead to changes in hiring practices, with schools possibly needing to recruit more staff to cover reduced teaching hours. The potential for a flexible work model may also encourage educators to remain in the profession longer, thus stabilising the workforce. However, the effectiveness of these changes hinges on the unions’ responses and the clarity of the government's plans.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish government's plans represent a shift towards more progressive educational policies. The upcoming consultations and discussions with educational stakeholders, including unions, will be crucial in shaping the final implementation of these proposals. It remains to be seen how the new "National Deal" for teachers will unfold and whether it will meet the expectations set by the unions.

Numbers that matter

90 minutes: The proposed reduction in classroom contact time per week for teachers.
4 days: The potential new teaching week structure under flexible proposals.
1 survey: The EIS survey from June indicating unsustainable teacher workloads.

Definitions and jargon buster

Flexible four-day teaching week: A proposed model allowing teachers to work a shorter week while maintaining educational standards.
Classroom contact time: The hours teachers spend directly teaching pupils.
EIS: Educational Institute of Scotland, a trade union representing educators.
ASN: Additional Support Needs, referring to pupils requiring extra help in their education.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, educational stakeholders, including the Scottish government and unions, will be engaging in discussions to refine the proposals. Monitoring the outcomes of these discussions will be critical for understanding the future of the teaching profession in Scotland.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If these proposals move forward, schools may begin to adapt their schedules and policies in line with the new teaching model. This could potentially involve pilot schemes to test the effectiveness of reduced classroom contact time and the flexible teaching week.

Signals to watch

Union responses to the government's proposals and any subsequent strike actions.
Feedback from teachers regarding the practicality and effectiveness of the new model.
Changes in legislation or policy announcements from the Scottish government concerning education.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about developments from the Scottish government and unions regarding the proposals.
Engage with your local educational institutions to understand potential changes to school schedules.
Support teachers in advocating for reasonable workloads and professional development opportunities.

Don’t

Ignore the ongoing discussions and potential impacts on educational quality.
Assume that the proposals will be implemented without addressing the unions’ concerns.
Overlook the importance of teacher wellbeing in the context of student outcomes.

Checklist

Review your local school’s communication regarding potential schedule changes.
Consider how a flexible teaching week might affect your family’s routines.
Stay engaged with educational news to remain updated on strike actions or negotiations.
Discuss with teachers about their perspectives on workload and classroom changes.
Explore resources for additional support needs if applicable.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the proposals present an opportunity for positive change, there are significant uncertainties regarding their implementation. The EIS union has expressed doubts about how a flexible four-day week would operate in practice, and concerns over teacher workload remain paramount. Furthermore, the success of these proposals will depend on ongoing negotiations between the government and educational unions, which may lead to delays or alterations to the initial plans.

Bottom line

The Scottish government's proposals for a flexible four-day teaching week and reduced classroom contact time aim to address longstanding issues in the education system. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on the cooperation between the government and unions, as well as clear communication about how these changes will be realised. For now, stakeholders should remain vigilant and engaged as discussions unfold.

FAQs

What is the proposed flexible four-day teaching week?

The proposed flexible four-day teaching week aims to reduce classroom contact time for teachers, allowing for improved work-life balance and professional development opportunities.

How will this affect students?

Reduced classroom contact time may impact students' learning schedules, but it is intended to enhance the quality of education by allowing teachers more time for preparation and support.

What are the unions' views on the proposals?

The EIS has expressed concerns about the feasibility of the proposals, while NASUWT has shown support but seeks assurance that teachers will have autonomy in using their time effectively.