Differences in class time offered to pupils could affect attainment gap

Tayside pupils are facing a postcode lottery in the quality of their education when schools reopen, a trade union representative has warned.

David Baxter, Dundee branch secretary at EIS, said he has “real worries” the attainment gap could increase due to variations in class time.

Local schools are playing a big role in mapping out class timetables for a planned August reopening.

Those with a larger school roll and less physical space, however, are only able to teach pupils as few as one or two days per week, according to new draft primary school timetables.

This is despite Scottish Government Education Secretary John Swinney last week setting a class time target of 50%.

Mr Baxter said: “I have real worries about the attainment gap if some pupils are in classrooms more than others.

“It’s not how we want to deliver education and it’s not an ideal solution for anybody. I think we all know how difficult the situation is though.

“We just don’t have the buildings or the space to support social distancing. At best, some will manage 50% but most will be a third.

“That’s not just in our area, it will be a problem everywhere. Places like Blackness or Eastern don’t have any outside space to expand.

“To find a real solution such as creating more temporary classrooms would take money and more staff.”

Mr Baxter added he is optimistic the situation may be much improved come August.

He said: “We have to play the cards in front of us but a lot may change from a public health perspective as we progress through the stages of lockdown.

“To be fair to the city council, they have been very good in picking up the phone and working with us.

“We are helping them make sure everything is right in terms of health and safety for pupils and our members.”

Meanwhile, Johnshaven-based Lathallan School is planning to reopen its doors for all junior and senior school pupils on a full-time basis on August 20.

The independent co-educational day and boarding school is able to accommodate its full roll as it has an average of 12 pupils per class and expansive 60 acre grounds at Brotherton Castle.

“We have to play the cards in front of us but a lot may change from a public health perspective