Schools and nurseries strike action update – 7 December

Teaching unions are planning further industrial action on 7 December which is expected to impact Orkney schools.

At present the Council’s Education Team is preparing for disruption on a number of days between now and early in the new year:

• Wednesday 7 December
• Tuesday 10 January  (primary schools and nurseries)
• Wednesday 11 January (secondary and junior high schools)
• Wednesday 18 January (all schools)

Whilst it is believed the January dates will result in a similar pattern of closures as last week - with almost all schools and  many nurseries closed - the impact next week is expected to be more restricted, impacting mainly on the senior secondary schools, some of the secondary classes at Stronsay Junior High School and just one class at Papdale. It is possible that in some primary schools, individual classes or groups of classes will be at home, while other children and young people are able to attend as normal.

On that basis, parents will be contacted directly by schools to inform them of their individual arrangements.

For isles students, Papdale Halls of Residence will remain open. For students at KGS or Stromness Academy, who would be expecting to attend Orkney College, the college will be open but there will be no school transport.  

National negotiations involving COSLA, Scottish Government and Trade Unions are continuing, and updates with any further information will be shared as soon as possible.