SCHOOLS could be closed on three days in January as strike action is once again planned by teachers.

East Lothian Council has written to parents and carers to highlight the proposed dates for schools being shut in the New Year.

Nicola McDowell, head of education at the council, highlighted strike action could take place on January 10, 11 and 16.

She said: “As you will no doubt be aware, further strike action has been declared by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the Association of Head Teachers and Deputes Scotland (AHDS) and Scottish Secondary Schools Association (SSTA) in early/mid-January 2023.

“We are preparing for the action to go ahead and all services affected have discussed the impact that this action will have on the health and safety of our children and young people given that there will be a significantly reduced number of teaching staff, including those in leadership positions in our schools and Early Learning and Childcare settings.

“In preparing for the impact of these days I can give early and provisional notification of the following in relation to the strike days should they go ahead.”

Currently, on January 10, all primary schools and early learning and childcare settings will be closed to young people.

Lets in primary schools for breakfast, after school and sports clubs can continue.

All ASN and Home to School transport will not operate for primary pupils.

A BACs payment will be made for those children and young people who qualify for a free school meal under the income threshold and whose schools are closed.

The following day, all secondary schools will be closed.

The additional support needs (ASN) hubs at Ross High School, in Tranent, and Knox Academy Meadowpark will be open.

Lets in Secondary schools for breakfast, after school and sports clubs can continue.

Home to School transport will only operate for pupils attending Additional Support Needs Hubs at Ross High School and Meadowpark.

A BACs payment will be made for those young people who qualify for a free school meal under the income threshold and whose schools are closed.

Finally, on January 16, all East Lothian Council schools and early learning and childcare settings will be closed to all children for learning, including those who attend ASN hubs.

For secondary schools running prelims that day, these will go ahead so the school will be open to those pupils only.

Lets in schools for breakfast, after school and sports clubs can continue.

School crossing patrols will not be operational.

All ASN and Home to School transport will not operate.

A BACs payment will be made for those children and young people who qualify for a free school meal under the income threshold.

Mrs McDowell confirmed the council’s website would be updated to reflect any further update.

She added: I know that this action will mean further disruption to learning, and that our families will have to make alternative childcare arrangements on that day and it is regrettable that we have had to make this decision, however ensuring the health and safety of our children and young people must take priority.

“While the formal notification from the EIS, AHDS and SSTA states their intention to strike on these days, there remains a possibility that ongoing pay negotiations may mean that the strikes are called off.”