Schools across Ayrshire are set to close next week after a union rejected the “best and final” pay offer from council leaders.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) said the “significantly improved in-year offer” will mean workers on the Scottish local government living wage will see an in-year uplift of around £2,000, or almost 10 per cent.

But Unison, one of three unions involved in the negotiations, said three days of strikes will go ahead next week as it has rejected the deal.

School staff including cleaners and janitors are due to walk out for three days from Tuesday in the dispute over pay.

The strikes will affect schools in North and South Ayrshire, with East Ayrshire schools running as normal.

All North Ayrshire schools will be closed to primary and secondary aged pupils on all three days.

Early years provision will also be significantly affected on these dates, with all early years classes and early years centres closed, with the exception of Springvale Early Years Centre.

On the days of strike action, packed lunches will be provided to any affected pupils entitled to a free school meal.

Children and/or parents are encouraged to go to their own school or nearest school on strike days between 11am and 1pm, where they can collect a packed lunch.

In South Ayrshire, families of pupils who are eligible to receive means tested free school meals, and have completed an application for this, a payment of £2.50, per pupil, per day, will be made to the main parent/carer to help meet the costs of meals during the closures.

Cherry Tree, Space Place and Wallacetown early years centres will be open and will operate as normal during the three days of strikes.