Prescribing the minimum annual number of learning hours: consultation

2. Discussion

What do we mean by learning hours?

2.1 Learning hours are the period of teaching that learners receive within the school day. In most cases, they do not include lunch and other break times or extra-curricular activities or provision such as breakfast clubs that may take place around the core school day. It has been accepted practice for at least the last 40 years that around 25 hours per week (or 950 hours per academic year) of teaching time is made available in most local authority run primary schools; and 27.5 hours per week (or 1045 hours per academic year) in most local authority run secondary schools.

What type of schools would learning hours apply to?

2.2 The learning hours provisions would apply to local authority schools and to grant aided schools. There are seven grant-aided special schools and one mainstream grant-aided school in Scotland, and we expect the same prescribed minimum learning hours requirements and exemption provisions as apply to local authority schools would apply to these schools.

2.3 We propose that the learning hours regulations would apply to primary schools, secondary schools and to special schools.

Learning Hours in Scotland – current position^[1]

2.4 We are currently gathering detailed evidence on the number of learning hours currently taught in local authority schools and seeking to understand the reasons for variation. Analysis so far suggests the great majority of local authorities offer a consistent number of learning hours across all of their schools with only limited variation within local authority areas. Generally, primary schools offer 25 hours in a typical school week, though in a small number of authorities shorter learning hours, usually 22.5 hours, are offered to their youngest pupils, either those in P1 and P2 or in P1 to P3. And generally secondary schools in most local authority areas offer 27.5 hours in a typical school week.

2.5 A significant proportion of local authorities operate an asymmetric week, where instead of each school day being the same length, there is a different pattern, such as four days of the week are a little longer and the remaining day (usually a Friday) is shorter or a half day; or there are three longer days and two slightly shorter days. In most cases, the overall number of learning hours will be the same as those provided in local authorities operating the same hours each day of the week. Our proposals would not affect this type of local flexibility.

Learning Hours in Special Schools

2.6 In line with the principle of inclusion, it is expected that all pupils should have the opportunity to receive at least the minimum number of learning hours. To ensure that education for all pupils is provided on an equitable basis, section 2 of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 places a duty on education authorities to ensure that the education they provide is "directed to the development of the personality, talents and mental and physical abilities of the child or young person to their fullest potential".

2.7 Scottish Ministers accept that there is a need for flexibility in these arrangements and that, where appropriate, special account may need to be taken of the circumstances of individual pupils. The starting point should always be the needs of the pupil, and these should determine what organisational structures are required to be in place to ensure that these needs are met.

2.8 Evidence on the number of learning hours currently taught in local authority schools suggests that the majority of local authorities offer a consistent number of learning hours across their special schools. Whereas most follow the mainstream 25 hours for primary schools and 27.5 hours for secondary schools, there are a small number of authorities where there is no significant differentiation between the hours offered to primary aged or secondary aged pupils with a 25 hours offered to all.

2.9 Grant-aided special schools provide education for pupils with complex additional support needs. The learning hours offered generally align with the practice outlined in 2.1. However, it should be noted that within these settings learning often occurs through activities that are carried out throughout the day, sometimes including break times or lunchtimes. Placing the needs of each pupil at the centre, learning outcomes and hours are therefore tailored to the learners' individual circumstances.

Teaching Hours

2.10 Since 2006, teachers' terms and conditions have specified a maximum of 22.5 hours class contact time per week. This is used in setting timetables for secondary school teachers, and in primary schools will mean that any hours above 22.5 hours are delivered to a class by another teacher.