Several local authorities have already announced they plan to make savings in education budgets and the union is worried this will lead to compulsory job losses.

Members believe the Scottish Government’s wish to cut class sizes will be put at risk if the number of teachers drops much below the 53,000 mark.

Outgoing EIS president Kirsty Devaney, from Dundee, said, “As the new government at Holyrood completes its first year in power, our conference will examine its education policies and the extent to which aspirations have been achieved and promises delivered.

“The new relationship between government and local authorities will have serious implications for education and the EIS. As an organisation independent of any political party, the EIS must be critical as well as constructive.”

Over 350 delegates from 32 local associations across Scotland are attending the conference, along with members of the EIS’s national council and delegates from the university and college associations.

The event, which lasts until Saturday, will bring a significant financial boost to local hotels, pubs and restaurants and Ms Devaney is urging delegates to explore the city and the surrounding area during their visit.

But serious business is also being conducted and among the debates will be calls for the permanent exclusion of pupils who bring weapons into school and for teachers to be allowed to refuse to let disruptive or abusive pupils back into their classes.

The conference will hear a call for a review of the role of school inspectors.

Delegates will also be asked to back Standard Grades, despite education secretary Fiona Hyslop announcing this year she plans to scrap the exams and replace them with a new qualification.