The Scottish government has announced plans to reduce contact time for teachers.
Proposals include exploring options like a flexible four-day teaching week, as well as nationally agreed minimum standards for pupil learning hours. These could enable later start times, extended breaks, or restructured school days.
Both the EIS and NASUWT teaching unions are currently balloting members over strike action due to the failure to reduce the amount of time teachers spend in the classroom.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the proposals demonstrate a “clear commitment to teachers and improving education”.
The changes would see teachers given more time to prepare for lessons, support wider school improvement activities, and undertake professional learning.
It would also provide teachers with more capacity to respond to diverse pupil requirements, including those with additional support needs (ASN).
The Scottish government said the plans, along with a new pay deal, would form a new “National Deal” for teachers.
Gilruth said: “It is a statement of intent to empower Scotland’s teachers with the time, trust and tools they need to deliver transformative learning.
“By investing in teacher capacity, the aim is to create richer learning experiences and raise standards for every learner.
“Working together, we can shape a future where reduced class contact time is not just a logistical change but a catalyst for deeper professional engagement, improved wellbeing, and better outcomes for every learner,” she added.
At the last Holyrood election, the SNP promised to cut class contact time by 90 minutes a week to give teachers more time for activities such as lesson preparation and marking.
A survey conducted by EIS in June found the workload in schools was “unfair, unhealthy and unsustainable”.
Almost three quarters of those who took part in the survey said they were rarely or never able to do the work, preparation and correcting they had been asked to do within their working week.
EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “A red line for teachers remains that the 1.5 hour reduction in class contact must be allocated to teachers’ preparation of learning, teaching and assessment, and teachers treated as trusted professionals to use the time as they see fit in support of young people and their learning.
“There can be no government or employer diktat over how this time should be utilised by teachers.”
The NASUWT has been approached for comment.