Teacher numbers cut row

Jan 18 2013 by Doug Archibald, Dumfries & Galloway Standard

Councillors have clashed over a budget-pruning move that would see a cut in the number of teachers at primary schools in deprived parts of the region.

Labour members voiced fears such a move could have an impact on children by lessening support in the classroom.

As many as 14 schools could lose a support teacher, brought in under a trainee induction scheme two years ago, that helped keep class sizes below 18.

Labour spokesman Jeff Leaver warned the cuts were on the cards at a time when the need for such a scheme was on the increase.

But Gail Macgregor, who chairs the education committee, insisted it would not harm pupils in need of support.

Mr Leaver said: “In recognition of the increased resources needed to support teaching in some schools, over the past two school years 14 schools in areas of greatest deprivation have each had their staffing formula increased by one teacher. I and other councillors know from speaking to teachers that this has had a very beneficial effect, enabling head teachers to give greater support to those pupils who need it most.

“Now, after less than two years, the council’s administration is going to remove these posts despite the need still being there and in some schools actually increasing.

“The Labour group has developed a fully costed, balanced budget which will allow schools to keep these vital members of staff and I would urge members of the ruling Tory and SNP administration to consider our proposals very carefully and back away from axeing these vital teaching posts.”

However, Ms Macgregor said the authority is now looking at a new way of helping children in deprived areas. She said the current system was introduced as part of the Getting it Right for Every Child Review.

“That is over and a change of tactic meant early intervention was to replace the targeting of specific schools. I think that the approach we are taking will actually have a much greater impact,” she said.