Shortage of primary school teachers described as ‘very concerning’

Shetland Islands Council is facing continued problems in recruiting teachers, which has been described as “very concerning”.

In the past the issue has mostly related to the hiring of technical secondary teachers.

But now signs have emerged the problem is emerging in primary schools.

Monday’s education and families meeting heard a temporary primary teaching post had failed to garner any applications.

Helen Budge. Photo: Kevin Jones

Director of Children’s Services, Helen Budge, told councillors: “For the first time in a long time, we were unable to recruit to a primary class teaching post for a temporary length of time between now and the summer.

“This is the first time that we’ve run out of teaching staff available to do a short-term piece of work.

“We’re waiting to hear what probationers we’re getting for the next session. We don’t have a surplus of supply staff.”

COMMENTS(3)

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  • John Irvine

    • May 7th, 2019 8:43

    For years Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP have promised big things on education but have failed miserably, this was supposed to be one of her key agenda`s.

    Maybe someone from the local branch of the SNP would like to explain….

    REPLY
    • Ali Inkster

      • May 8th, 2019 20:34

      Don’t be daft John it is all those westminster tories fault. 😉

      REPLY
  • Ian Tinkler

    • May 11th, 2019 10:14

    Nicola Sturgeon and children! She uses them for photo opportunities, that is all. Whatever happened to the SNP ‘state guardian’ scheme? Another masterpiece of SNP rubbish! No doubt the SNP will claim its flagship failure was Westminster’s fault, not anything to do with trampling all over civil rights at all.

    REPLY

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