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David Moroney • Published 6 Aug 2010 14:00
THIRTEEN new permanent primary teachers are being appointed to schools across Inverclyde - but not all will be in place for the start of term.
Education bosses said they are in the process of lining up the staff, but it's expected some will not take on their roles until the end of August.
Supply teachers are set to cover until the recruitment process is finalised.
Council education bosses interviewed more than 80 teachers for vacancies across eight primary schools before the summer.
A total of 35 primary teachers and seven secondary teachers completed their probationary year before the summer holidays, meaning many have been forced to look for work outwith the area.
Councillor Jim MacLeod yesterday said the new teachers should have been in place for the start of term.
He added: "This is an unnecessary disruption. The interviews and appointment process should have been completed for the start of term.
"Supply teachers are necessary and invaluable to provide cover for illness or short-staffing situations.
"Pupils have to be the main consideration and it would be better for them to have their full-time class teacher in place."
A council spokesman said: "The council has chosen to increase the permanent staff complement in primary schools. Their posts will be covered by supply teachers.
"We carry out a staff exercise every year and until that is complete we cannot advertise vacancies."
Five new teachers have been introduced to Newark and King's Oak primary schools since the pledge was made. These posts were filled by existing teachers from other schools.
Councillor McLeod said: "It is good news for these schools to have additional teachers. But we were led to believe these would be five new posts for new teachers - not five teachers moved from elsewhere."
A council spokesman said: "The commitment by the council to provide funding for five teachers has allowed smaller classes to be formed, in particular at King's Oak and Newark primaries."
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 06 Aug 10
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