Latest news with #PamDuncan-Glancy
Scotsman
2 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Scottish senior teachers report working 80 hour weeks to cope with increasing classroom pressures
Jenny Gilruth has met teachers to discuss workloads | PA Scottish senior teachers say they are at breaking point over classroom violence and heavy workloads in schools Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Senior teachers claim they are working more than 80 hours a week to cope with rising pressures in Scotland's classrooms. Survey results show 61 per cent of management level staff say they plan to leave the profession earlier than planned due to increased workload and rising stress. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Detailing an 'unsustainable' picture of under-resource and overwork, the latest School Leaders Survey also shows major concerns about classroom violence. Scottish Labour Education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy said is it clear teachers are 'at breaking point'. 'Teachers and school leaders are going above and beyond to paper over the cracks of SNP failure, but pupils and staff deserve better,' she said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The SNP has failed to act as pressures mount on our schools – from rising violence to overstretched ASN services.' Respondents to the survey, organised by School Leaders Scotland (SLS), showed head and senior teachers are working an average of 53 hours a week but some report working more than 80 hours. Jenny Gilruth has met teachers to discuss workloads | PA The report calls the number of teaching staff looking to quit early a 'depressing statistic', adding it is 'not surprising to learn that many school leaders are contemplating early retirement or leaving the profession due to unsustainable workload, reduced resources, and mounting stress'. The School Leaders Survey found that only 35 per cent of respondents were positive about wanting to become a Head Teacher or recommending the role while nearly 45 per cent had a negative view. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Growing disenchantment' Miles Briggs MSP, Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, said the report 'lays bare the growing disenchantment among Scotland's school leaders - overworked, under-resourced, and increasingly considering walking away'. Mr Briggs pointed to the SNP's pledges to reduce workloads and increase teacher numbers. 'Violent and abusive behaviour in schools is rising, yet ministers have shown no urgency in tackling it,' he added. 'These findings are a damning indictment of the SNP's mismanagement of our education system. 'These are not isolated concerns, they are systemic.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Senior teachers cited a lack of sufficient ASN (Additional Support Needs) specialist provision as an issue adding to unsustainable workloads. The report says the under-resourcing of ASN is helping to leave 'school leaders overwhelmed and struggling to balance pupil needs with the demands from above'. Aggressive behaviour, they added, is also on the rise from both pupils and parents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One deputy head teacher is quoted as saying: 'Parents believe they have the right to shout and swear at us if they are unhappy about the message being delivered. 'We are not supported in these situations.' Another school leader added: 'The abusive and aggressive behaviour of a small but difficult core of young people, and the lack of available sanctions to use or support from the authority, makes the job seem not worthwhile at times.' A spokesman said the Scottish Government recognises and appreciates the 'hard work of our teachers'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said that recognition is reflected in Scottish teachers being the best paid in the UK and added: 'We are clear that reducing class contact time will help address critical concerns around teacher workload, thereby creating the space to drive improvement and reform in our schools and improve outcomes for pupils. 'We are working with unions and COSLA to agree our approach to reducing class contact time.' Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, met school leaders Scotland in June to discuss the finding of their workload survey. The government said again that Ms Gilruth has 'committed to holding a workforce round table with trade unions, local government, GTCS and other key partners to consider ways the teaching profession can be better supported'.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Scottish senior teachers report working 80 hour weeks to cope with increasing classroom pressures
Jenny Gilruth has met teachers to discuss workloads | PA Scottish senior teachers say they are at breaking point over classroom violence and heavy workloads in schools Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Senior teachers claim they are working more than 80 hours a week to cope with rising pressures in Scotland's classrooms. Survey results show 61 per cent of management level staff say they plan to leave the profession earlier than planned due to increased workload and rising stress. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Detailing an 'unsustainable' picture of under-resource and overwork, the latest School Leaders Survey also shows major concerns about classroom violence. Scottish Labour Education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy said is it clear teachers are 'at breaking point'. 'Teachers and school leaders are going above and beyond to paper over the cracks of SNP failure, but pupils and staff deserve better,' she said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The SNP has failed to act as pressures mount on our schools – from rising violence to overstretched ASN services.' Respondents to the survey, organised by School Leaders Scotland (SLS), showed head and senior teachers are working an average of 53 hours a week but some report working more than 80 hours. Jenny Gilruth has met teachers to discuss workloads | PA The report calls the number of teaching staff looking to quit early a 'depressing statistic', adding it is 'not surprising to learn that many school leaders are contemplating early retirement or leaving the profession due to unsustainable workload, reduced resources, and mounting stress'. The School Leaders Survey found that only 35 per cent of respondents were positive about wanting to become a Head Teacher or recommending the role while nearly 45 per cent had a negative view. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Growing disenchantment' Miles Briggs MSP, Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, said the report 'lays bare the growing disenchantment among Scotland's school leaders - overworked, under-resourced, and increasingly considering walking away'. Mr Briggs pointed to the SNP's pledges to reduce workloads and increase teacher numbers. 'Violent and abusive behaviour in schools is rising, yet ministers have shown no urgency in tackling it,' he added. 'These findings are a damning indictment of the SNP's mismanagement of our education system. 'These are not isolated concerns, they are systemic.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Senior teachers cited a lack of sufficient ASN (Additional Support Needs) specialist provision as an issue adding to unsustainable workloads. The report says the under-resourcing of ASN is helping to leave 'school leaders overwhelmed and struggling to balance pupil needs with the demands from above'. Aggressive behaviour, they added, is also on the rise from both pupils and parents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One deputy head teacher is quoted as saying: 'Parents believe they have the right to shout and swear at us if they are unhappy about the message being delivered. 'We are not supported in these situations.' Another school leader added: 'The abusive and aggressive behaviour of a small but difficult core of young people, and the lack of available sanctions to use or support from the authority, makes the job seem not worthwhile at times.' A spokesman said the Scottish Government recognises and appreciates the 'hard work of our teachers'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said that recognition is reflected in Scottish teachers being the best paid in the UK and added: 'We are clear that reducing class contact time will help address critical concerns around teacher workload, thereby creating the space to drive improvement and reform in our schools and improve outcomes for pupils. 'We are working with unions and COSLA to agree our approach to reducing class contact time.' Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, met school leaders Scotland in June to discuss the finding of their workload survey. The government said again that Ms Gilruth has 'committed to holding a workforce round table with trade unions, local government, GTCS and other key partners to consider ways the teaching profession can be better supported'.
Glasgow Times
13-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
New community hub opens in Glasgow to offer 'safe space'
Located in Govan, the hub is run by Scottish charity Right There and offers a "welcoming" space for people to connect, access support, and take part in activities. Right There works to prevent homelessness and family separation, and the Glasgow hub is an extension of its services. It is open to anyone in the community, regardless of whether they are already supported by the charity. New community hub opened in Glasgow (Image: Supplied) Read more: Locals stress 'importance' of keeping Post Office open amid closure concerns Janet Haugh, chief executive of Right There, said: "At Right There, we support people to build safe, stable, and supportive lives, no matter where they are on their journey. "The Community Hub is an extension of this work, offering a safe space to people in our local community who need a helping hand, be that a place to connect with others, access to a trained support worker for emotional support, practical help such as free Wi-Fi and computer access, or just a cup of tea and a friendly face." The hub was officially opened in the presence of Glasgow MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy, who presented a signed copy of a motion she submitted to the Scottish Parliament. This motion recognised the life-enhancing activities planned for the hub and acknowledged the important role such initiatives play in tackling isolation, building community connections, and supporting people through difficult times. The hub operates on a drop-in basis with no booking required and is open five days a week. Facilities include free computer and internet access for job searches, CVs, and homework. It also provides hot drinks, signposting to other services, a school uniform clothing bank, a sensory room, and one-to-one support. There is also a monthly programme of activities, including coffee mornings, arts and crafts, mindfulness sessions, community meals, and workshops. The hub was officially opened this month (Image: Supplied) The hub was officially opened in the presence of Glasgow MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy, Read more: Fate of historic Glasgow cinema decided after appeal Janet said: "Our work is firmly rooted in local communities, with tailored programmes that lift people up, supporting them on the journey to creating a safe, supportive place to call home. "Right There's mentors and councillors support people by improving mental health and wellbeing, as well as offering practical support that equips individuals to live independently and build stronger community connections. "We are delighted to be able to offer a service that benefits our whole community here in Govan, with the new hub aligning perfectly with our belief that community is at the heart of everything we do."
STV News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- STV News
MSPs pass legislation to scrap SQA for new Scottish exams body
Holyrood has passed legislation that will abolish Scotland's exam body – despite claims from opposition parties that the replacement organisation is 'little more than a rebrand'. Both Labour and the Conservatives voted against the Bill, which will dissolve the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and set up a new organisation, to be called Qualifications Scotland to take its place. This is expected to be up and running in the autumn of 2025 – after this year's exams results come out. It comes almost five years after the 2020 exams scandal, where marks for more than 124,000 youngsters were downgraded after exams had to be scrapped as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. But Labour education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy said: 'Instead of abolishing the SQA today the Bill allows the current leadership to transfer wholesale.' She insisted that 'on reform this is a job unfinished'. Similarly, Scottish Conservative education spokesperson said the changes, in the Education (Scotland) Bill would not deliver the 'meaningful reform for Scotland's education system which is urgently needed'. He argued that the new exams body was 'little more than a rebrand of the SQA'. Briggs said: 'The SQA needed an overhaul, not a cosmetic makeover, and the changes proposed fall way short of what is required to ensure the organisation can operate effectively and is properly accountable.' But speaking as the legislation was passed by 69 votes to 47, eeducation secretary Jenny Gilruth rejected those claims. Instead, she said, the Bill would 'fundamentally create a new and a different type of organisation which works with the teaching profession differently'. In addition it will establish a new chief inspector of education, who will be tasked with inspecting nurseries, schools and colleges across Scotland. Here she said there was a 'cast-iron guarantee' that the person who takes up this post would have 'suitable teaching and educational leadership experience'. The education secretary said: 'Through the creation of a new qualifications body and an independent inspectorate, the Bill enables a more responsive, trusted and effective national education infrastructure.' The legislation, passed after two nights of late sittings at Holyrood, will provide 'the scaffolding which supports the wider range of education reform', she added. Briggs, however, said: 'It does feel like the Bill has been rushed through Parliament in the last week of term.' He added that 'this Bill has not been the opportunity many of us had hoped it would be', claiming it was 'clear SNP ministers' policies and half-baked reforms are not delivering for our young people'. Duncan-Glancy was also critical, saying: 'We needed a qualifications system fit for the future, one that respects the efforts of learners, supports the judgment of teachers, and earns the trust of employers and universities. 'We needed a curriculum that is broad and inclusive, we needed an inspectorate that can challenge where necessary but also celebrate excellence. But on reform this is a job unfinished.' Gilrtuh said afterwards: 'The successful passage of this legislation shows this Government is serious about implementing the changes needed to drive improvement across Scotland's education and skills system. 'The creation of a new, national qualifications body is about building the right conditions for reform to flourish – the new body will ensure that knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of our national qualifications offering. 'The new inspectorate body will also have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections, moving this function away from ministers, to His Majesty's Chief Inspector.' She added: 'Taken together, our major programme of education and skills reform will bring about the changes needed to meet the needs of future generations of young people.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
SQA to be scrapped and replaced as MSPs vote through education reform
The Scottish Qualifications Authority is set to be replaced with a new organisation in autumn 2025. MSPs have voted to pass legislation which will see Scotland's exam body scrapped and replaced. The existing Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) will be dissolved, and a new organisation called Qualifications Scotland set up in its place. It is expected to be running by this autumn, after exam results have been released. Plans are also in place to appoint a chief inspector for educational settings. The changes come nearly five years after the exams scandal in 2020, where marks for over 124,000 pupils were downgraded after formal exams had to be cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. However, they have prompted objections from opposition parties that the replacement organisation is "little more than a rebrand", after the legislation was passed by 69 votes to 47. Labour education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy said: "Instead of abolishing the SQA today the Bill allows the current leadership to transfer wholesale." She insisted that "on reform this is a job unfinished". Similarly, Scottish Conservative education spokesperson Miles Briggs said the changes, in the Education (Scotland) Bill would not deliver the "meaningful reform for Scotland's education system which is urgently needed". He argued that the new exams body was "little more than a rebrand of the SQA". Mr Briggs added: "The SQA needed an overhaul, not a cosmetic makeover, and the changes proposed fall way short of what is required to ensure the organisation can operate effectively and is properly accountable." Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has rejected those claims. She said the Bill would "fundamentally create a new and a different type of organisation which works with the teaching profession differently". In addition, it will establish a new chief inspector of education, who will be tasked with inspecting nurseries, schools and colleges across Scotland. She added there was a "cast-iron guarantee" that the person who takes up this post would have "suitable teaching and educational leadership experience". Ms Gilruth said: "Through the creation of a new qualifications body and an independent inspectorate, the Bill enables a more responsive, trusted and effective national education infrastructure." The legislation, passed after two nights of late sittings at Holyrood, will provide "the scaffolding which supports the wider range of education reform", she added. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Mr Briggs, however, said: "It does feel like the Bill has been rushed through Parliament in the last week of term." He added that "this Bill has not been the opportunity many of us had hoped it would be", claiming it was "clear SNP ministers' policies and half-baked reforms are not delivering for our young people". Ms Duncan-Glancy was also critical, saying: "We needed a qualifications system fit for the future, one that respects the efforts of learners, supports the judgment of teachers, and earns the trust of employers and universities. "We needed a curriculum that is broad and inclusive, we needed an inspectorate that can challenge where necessary but also celebrate excellence. But on reform this is a job unfinished." Ms Gilruth said afterwards: "The successful passage of this legislation shows this Government is serious about implementing the changes needed to drive improvement across Scotland's education and skills system. "The creation of a new, national qualifications body is about building the right conditions for reform to flourish - the new body will ensure that knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of our national qualifications offering. "The new inspectorate body will also have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections, moving this function away from ministers, to His Majesty's Chief Inspector." She added: "Taken together, our major programme of education and skills reform will bring about the changes needed to meet the needs of future generations of young people."
