Breaking: Confirmation of which Aberdeenshire schools will be closed due to strike action

UNISON members working in schools across Aberdeenshire will take strike action from Tuesday, September 26 until Thursday 28 in support of an improved pay offer.

Staff will join 15 picket lines across Aberdeenshire and members will then join a rally with Aberdeen City colleagues at Cowdray Hall as part of UNISON action in 24 council areas across Scotland.

Inez Kirk, Secretary of Aberdeenshire UNISON, said: “School support staff are the unseen heros who ensure the education of our children.

"They are Pupil Support workers, Early Years Professionals, janitors, cleaners, caterers, technicians, counsellors and admin staff. They are dedicated, and it takes a lot for them to get angry.

"But they are fed up with year-on-year pay cuts in real terms and are facing a cost-of-living crisis. It’s time for their important work to be recognised and they be paid what they deserve.

"Members have to count every penny on a daily basis.

They put a smile on at work while they support the education of all of our children, but are worried about how they can look after their own kids. Many have had to use food banks.

But yet again, they are being offered a below-inflation pay deal. Their treatment is a stain on our society, and it is time to put it right.”

A very slightly revised offer from employers first offer in April was received after 3pm on the last working day before the strike action.

This offered a 0.5 per cent in-year improvement for staff paid above the Scottish local government living wage, though was still below inflation for the overwhelming majority of staff.

Members will also be consulted on this.

As of 4pm the following schools in Aberdeenshire are confirmed to be closed to pupils - parents should however check their email contacts as the list is not exhaustive and some schools have partial openings depending on the year groups involved.

The most current list can be found at https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/school-closures which will update in the morning prior to school opening times and is cleared at 4pm each day.

Closed or partially closed to year groups (Updated, 7.30am, Wednesday, September 27)

Aberchirder Primary School Partial closure for pupils

Arduthie School Partial closure for pupils

Auchenblae School Partial closure for pupils

Ballater School Partial closure for pupils

Ballogie Nursery Closed to pupils only

Banff Academy Closed to pupils only

Banff Primary School Partial closure for pupils

Buchanhaven Primary School Closed to pupils only

Carronhill School Partial closure for pupils

Clerkhill School Closed to pupils only

Dunnottar School Closed to pupils only

Ellon Academy Partial closure for pupils

Fraserburgh Academy Closed to pupils only

Gordon Primary School Closed to pupils only

Insch School Partial closure for pupils

Inverallochy School Partial closure for pupils

Kemnay Primary School Partial closure for pupils

Kintore School Closed to pupils only

Laurencekirk School Partial closure for pupils

Lochpots School Closed to pupils only

Macduff Primary School Partial closure for pupils

Mackie Academy Partial closure for pupils

Meldrum School Partial closure for pupils

Mintlaw Academy Partial closure for pupils

Newtonhill School Partial closure for pupils

Peterhead Academy Partial closure for pupils

Portlethen School Closed to pupils only

Rathen School Closed to pupils only

Rosehearty School Partial closure for pupils

Rothienorman School Partial closure for pupils

Sandhaven School Closed to pupils only

Strathburn School Partial closure for pupils

Stuartfield School Closed to pupils only

Torphins School Partial closure for pupils

Turriff Primary School Closed to pupils only

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