Renfrewshire rally over teaching hours cut

Parents and teachers packed out Paisley Town Hall to protest against the decision

Hundreds of parents in Renfrewshire have held a rally against plans to cut teaching time in primary schools.

Renfrewshire Council wants non-teaching staff rather than teachers to provide 2.5 hours of cultural, citizenship and sporting activities per week.

It said the move, which will cut 60 teaching posts and save £1.12m a year, would help address a budget shortfall.

The EIS said it was a "dangerous and damaging" plan and had no support from teachers, parents or policy-makers.

Parents and teachers attended the rally in Paisley Town Hall to protest against the decision.

EIS general secretary Ronnie Smith said the proposals would disadvantage Renfrewshire primary children.

"The end result will be the diminution of the quality of education in Renfrewshire, and untold damage to the council's reputation and standing," he said.

"These proposals are dangerous and they must be stopped."

The council has said the move was necessary to help it address a funding gap of £75m over the next three years.