Review of school week changes

Angus Council to revisit move due to concerns for pupils

Controversial changes to the Angus secondary school week will be reviewed, it has emerged.

The new model will deliver four longer school days and a short Friday ending at 1.20pm after the summer holidays.

The review comes amid fears aired by councillors over the needs of young carers, poorer families and teens left at a loose end.

Arbroath independent councillor Lois Speed said: “My concerns are for the most vulnerable children, perhaps with an additional support need, and the pressure that continues to put on parents and carers at home.”

Concerns over changes to the Angus secondary school week have led to a promise the controversial proposal will be reviewed.

The county’s eight secondaries will have 33, 50-minute periods each week after the summer holidays – four longer days and a Friday ending at 1.20pm.

An “Angus Extra” programme of events will be offered to youngsters on Friday afternoons.

But fears over the needs of young carers, poorer families and teens at a loose end have been aired at the council’s children and learning committee.

The Forfar meeting was told the new model will be reviewed and teens are still being asked what they want to do in their newly-created spare time.

Committee convener Mark Salmond said: “Plans are in place for Friday’s programme, Angus Extra, for our secondary aged young people.

“We are keen to encourage any other clubs or group who can offer activities to get in touch. We are going to have a review after an agreed period.”

Montrose independent councillor Tommy Stewart said: “We’ve been told about the extracurricular activities on Friday afternoons but it’s not mandatory, they are free to leave and do as they wish after 1.20pm.

“In Montrose there have been reports from community wardens about schoolchildren when they come out.”

Head of service Pauline Stephen said: “In August our colleagues from community learning and development are going to the centre of towns to speak to our young people about activities they would like to see.

“We have young men wanting to return to their primary school as a classroom helper. We’ve got a young lady who’s a commonwealth swimmer who will use her time for training.

“We will be looking at all of that in the review of the changes.”

Post-schools sporting activities through Active Schools Angus will be free, while non-volunteering roles through Angus Alive are paid.

Lib Dem councillor Richard Moore said: “We’re changing the school week and then telling the parents it’s going to cost them to be on most of the activities.”

Ms Stephen said: “This was subject to significant scrutiny … there was extensive consultation with families and what you see in front of you is what our families told us they wanted.

“The children are in school for the same length of time as now, and the extracurricular activities happen on Friday afternoon, instead of after school.”

We’re changing the school week and then telling the parents it’s going to cost them to be on most of the activities. LIB DEM COUNCILLOR RICHARD MOORE