SCOTLAND’S largest teaching union has called for a “brighter future” for pupils who face long weeks and crowded classrooms, ahead of the Holyrood elections in May.

In its education manifesto published today, the Education Institute for Scotland (EIS) called for classes to be kept to a maximum of 20 students and for a 20-hour cap on contact hours.

The EIS demanded universal free school meals and asked to restore the number of registered early-years teachers to levels reached in 2012, or ideally 2007.

The manifesto, which was supported by research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) Scotland, said there should also be an increase in staffing and resources for pupils with additional support needs.

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said its demands reflect “the value of education to society” and “importance of investing in our schools, colleges and universities.”

She called on all EIS members to question politicians over “their commitment to Scottish education” and to “use their votes ahead of this hugely important election.”

Ms Bailey said funding the manifesto’s proposals is “entirely manageable for a wealthy country such as Scotland.”

She added: “There are, of course, costs involved in properly funding education, but this should be seen as an investment in our young people and in the future of our country and our society.

“It will be a matter of political choice for the next Scottish government, no matter what its political hue, as to how it takes forward these challenges to properly invest in and support Scottish education.”

The Scottish government has been approached for comment.