Exam prelims threatened by strike action next month will go ahead in East Lothian, families have been told.
East Lothian’s head of education Nicola McDowell has said schools where the tests are planned will remain open for pupils sitting them despite industrial action forcing them to shut to everyone else on the day.
Setting out the county’s plans for a series of strikes planned by teaching unions across the country next month, Mrs McDowell said provisional plans were in place to close schools on days of action.
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But she said the prelims would be protected with moves in place to ensure they can go ahead.
Schools return from the festive holiday on Wednesday January 4.
Mrs McDowell said on Tuesday, January 10, primary schools and early learning and childcare settings will be closed with no additional support needs (ASN)or home to school transport operating as teaching union the EIS takes strike action.
On Wednesday, January 11, they will be joined by teachers from the SSTA union and all secondary schools will close for the day, however the ASN hubs at Ross High School, Tranent, and Meadowpark, Haddington, will be open to pupils.
On Monday, January 16, when both unions go out on strike again all schools and early learning and childcare settings across East Lothian will close including the ASN hubs.
However prelims scheduled for the 16th will go ahead as planned with parents told schools will be open for those pupils taking part in the exams.
Mrs McDowell said: “I know that this action will mean further disruption to learning, and that our families will have to make alternative childcare arrangements on that day and it is regrettable that we have had
to make this decision, however ensuring the health and safety of our children and young people must take priority.
“There remains a possibility that ongoing pay negotiations may mean that the strikes are called off.
“I will keep you informed of any further developments and arrangements via our website and your child’s school as soon as I can following the return from the Christmas break.”
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