D & G EIS ( part of Scotland’s largest teaching union) was outraged at the sudden decision of the D & G Council's Administration to cut Nursery Teacher posts. This cut, which did not appear in any consultative document beforehand, was added to the Labour Budget 3 days before the Full Council meeting. No amendments (other than full alternative budgets proposed by other councillor groups) were allowed.

Thus the Administration decided unilaterally to do away with nursery teachers and replace them with cheaper "Pre School Officers" who have more flexible working hours. At a stroke they decided that D & G parents need childcare rather than Nursery Education, ignoring the clear benefits pre-school children derive from the structured educational provision provided by Nursery Teachers' input.

We (the office bearers of D & G EIS) are asking for your support BY SIGNING THE PETITION..

Julie Irving (Gatehouse Primary School )

John Dennis (Dumfries High School)

Kirsty McClelland  (Kirkcudbright Primary School)

Elaine Dennis (Hecklegirth Primary School)

Andrew O’Halloran  (Annan Academy)

Aileen Stoddart (ex-Castle Douglas Primary School)

Robert Fritchley-Simpson (Maxwelltown High School)

Jane McSherry (St Joseph’s College)