A COSLA spokesperson said:

“Reduced Class Contact Time is highly complex, and possible routes forward are being actively explored with the Scottish Government and will be discussed in the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT). Reduced class contact time has an estimated cost of £250m–£310m. This represents a significant investment, equivalent to the cost of over 7,500 Pupil Support Assistants. COSLA is clear that this policy must be fully funded by the Scottish Government.

“COSLA is clear that we must consider the impact of this investment on the attainment of our children and young people through consultation, in line with United Nations Convention on Rights of a Child (UNCRC) and our commitment to addressing child poverty.”

Further information

The release from EIS can be read here.

5th January 2026