Fife secondary schools will close on 8 December due to industrial action

Teaching unions SSTA and NASUWT have notified Fife Council of strike action involving teachers on Thursday 8 December.

Given the expected level of disruption, all secondary schools and secondary pupil support centres will close to pupils on Thursday 8th.  

All primary schools, nurseries, early learning and family nurture centres be open as normal, as well as out of school clubs.

We’re 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 on Friday 9 December.

Shelagh McLean, Head of Education, 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 24 November. 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.”

You'll find any updates at www.fife.gov.uk/strike