Plea to close Falkirk schools early for Christmas as staff morale plummets

At the weekend, the EIS wrote to councillors saying that in Falkirk schools "stress levels are high and morale plummeting" and urged remote lessons to be used on December 21, 22 and 23.

The union says working so close to Christmas means staff might have to spend the holiday self-isolating and won't be able to see vulnerable family members.

The late finish could also impact on pupils, and the EIS believes many families will keep children at home for the same reason.

However, at a meeting of Falkirk Council's education, children and young people committee, director of children's services Robert Naylor said schools will remain open, following public health advice.

Councillors were told there was no chance for discussion as the item was not on the agenda.

In the letter, Falkirk EIS local association secretary, Colin Finlay, said that Falkirk school staff had been working "to the absolute limit in the most stressful circumstances that most of us have ever experienced".

"The strains have been, and continue to be, tremendous.

"Stress levels are high, and morale is plummeting - for many, the prospect of being able to spend the Christmas holidays with loved ones is the only thing that is keeping them going."

Mr Finlay added: "We do recognise the implications of making this change, but we strongly believe that the benefits outweigh the costs."

"This is a chance for the Falkirk Council to show that it does listen to and value its school staff, recognises all they have done, all that they continue to do, and to make a change that would significantly improve the morale of employees, as well as protecting their health and wellbeing."

Following the director's comments, Mr Finlay said: “It’s very disappointing to hear the director’s dismissal of our proposal, without even having the courtesy to speak to the union and its members beforehand.

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“I’m sure all school staff will remember this moment and his actions.

"I would like to place on record our genuine thanks to all staff who have worked hard in Falkirk’s schools - keeping students behind their desks, while others sit safely behind theirs.”

At the executive, Labour group leader Robert Bissett said he may ask for a special meeting to be called to discuss the issue.

Following the meeting, council leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have followed all of the Scottish Government’s advice and guidance, in relation to the operation of our schools,

“Last Thursday the Scottish Government announced there would be no extension to the school holiday dates over the festive period.

“This is based on public health advice which is to keep schools open as planned and that it is expected that schools remain open offering in-school learning and teaching for children and young people.

“On that basis Falkirk schools will close and re-open after the holiday period as originally planned.”

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