SCHOOLS in Fife are preparing to shut as the latest round of industrial action gets underway.

The closures are part of an ongoing pay dispute between teaching unions and the Scottish Government.

Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, this week rejected the latest pay off from the Scottish Government and COSLA, saying that the six per cent hike offered was insufficient while inflation was over 10 per cent.

Dunfermline, education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville's constituency, is one of five regions to face an extra six days of school closures on February 22, 23 and 24 and March 7, 8 and 9.

The other four areas due to be affected are: Glasgow Southside, held by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; Perthshire North, held by Deputy First Minister John Swinney; Dumfries and Galloway, the council area of COSLA resources spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann; and East Dunbartonshire, the consistency of Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer.

Pupils from central Fife who attend St Columba's RC High School will be impacted.

Secondary schools will contact parents parents directly to advise if any learning opportunities can be offered to pupils in school on the identified dates.

In a letter released by the local authority, Carrie Lindsay, Fife Council's executive director of education and children’s services, said: "This action will create significant disruption to our education settings.

"Once again, we won’t know in advance how many of our teachers will join the planned strike action.

"However, most union members have taken part in the previous days of industrial action, so we expect a continued high level of participation.

She continued: "With regards to the six days of targeted action, the above schools are currently reviewing the staffing position and will contact you directly to advise if any learning opportunities can be offered in school during the dates identified.

"Any opportunity is most likely to be for targeted groups of young people but is unlikely to be available for any one targeted group for all three days.

"Activities for young people who attend the departments of additional support will be offered over the three days."

All Fife primary, secondary,and special schools - including those previously listed and associated nursery classes, pupil support classes, and pupil support centres - will close on Tuesday, February 28, and Wednesday, March 1 due to national strike action.

Ms Lindsay added: "I know this will be challenging or inconvenient for many families.

"I fully appreciate how difficult it is for parents, carers and pupils when we must close some, or all, of our schools and I can only continue to ask for your patience and understanding."

A direct payment for school meals, covering days of industrial action, will be made into the bank account of a parent or carer where children are registered for free school meals.

Further information will be provided by individual schools, however, lunches will be made available for young people and families in on February 22, 23, and 24 at normal lunchtime.