IT has been announced this evening (Wednesday) that schools across Fife will be closed to pupils for one day next week due to a planned teachers strike.

Teaching unions EIS and AHDS have notified Fife Council of the industrial action involving teachers next Thursday, November 24.

Given the expected level of disruption, all schools will close to pupils on that date.

The local authority has confirmed that this will include the following list of services:

  • High schools
  • Primary schools
  • Special schools
  • Nurseries
  • Early learning and family nurture centres
  • Additional support needs units
  • Childcare services
  • Pupil support service

    The council has said it is making arrangements relating to free school meals and details will be issued soon through individual schools.

All schools, educational and childcare facilities will open as normal next Friday, November 25.

Carrie Lindsay, Executive Director, Education & Children’s Services, said: “This strike is part of wider action relating to a national pay dispute. I fully appreciate how difficult it is for parents, carers and pupils when we have to close our schools, and I can only ask for their patience and understanding.

“We can’t know in advance how many of our teachers will join the planned strike action on Thursday. However, we do know that most union members voted in favour of action, so we expect a high level of participation.

“As you will understand, we can’t open our buildings to children and young people, or provide cover across all classes and subjects, without sufficient teachers. So, even though some staff may come to work, we’re unlikely to be able to run any educational facility safely.

“Therefore, to help families plan, we’ve made the difficult decision to close all Fife schools on Thursday, November 24. I know this may be challenging or inconvenient for many families.

“Pupil welfare remains our top priority and we’re particularly conscious of the ongoing cost of living crisis. We will make food available for anyone entitled to free school meals, and each school will be in touch with parents to let them know the arrangements for this.

“Our children and young people have access to a wide range of online learning resources and educational games, and more senior pupils will have work and study they can continue with, on their own, at home.

“Of course, we’ll update parents immediately if the dispute is resolved and plans change.”