We call on Dumfries and Galloway Council to reverse their damaging decision to cut teachers in smaller schools.

A 'composite' class is a class made up of multiple years - for instance, a P3 and P4 class. Composite classes are common in smaller schools and are manageable by a single teacher when made up of two or even three year groups.

Until this year, the maximum size for a composite class was 19 pupils. If a two-teacher school roll dropped below this number, it would be reduced to a single-teacher school. Increasing the composite class limit to 25 therefore has a huge impact on smaller schools.

By increasing composite class sizes to 25 pupils in our primary schools, they are putting our young people and teachers in danger. It is unfair and wrong to leave a single teacher with sole responsibility for up to 25 pupils aged from 4-12.

We are concerned that this decision is an attempt to close smaller and rural schools by stealth and to get round strict Scottish Government legislation and policies. In this context we believe the lack of consultation and information for parents has been unacceptable.
 
The Council claim this is a necessary financial decision but we believe the education of the next generation should always be the Council’s top priority.
 
You can help us show Dumfries and Galloway Council that Wee Schools Matter.  Please sign and share our petition to show your support.