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Massive cuts to education in Highlands

Director of care and learning Bill Alexander has outlined massive cuts to education
Director of care and learning Bill Alexander has outlined massive cuts to education

Director of care and learning Bill Alexander has outlined massive cuts to education in a letter to headteachers, admitting: “I’m afraid none of this is welcome news.”

The measures include axing 40 teaching posts and reducing additional support for learning in schools.

He said: “I would be grateful if you could convey it to your staff, appreciating that some colleagues will be particularly concerned about their situations.

“The Administration is finalising the proposals for the budget meeting on February 15. These do not yet close the estimated budget gap of £25.8m, but there are a number that will impact on schools, including:

“Reduction, in Additional Support for Learning in schools. This will involve significant reductions in the number of PSAs (Pupil Support Assistants) and ASN (Assistant Special Needs) teachers.

“Reduction in special additional support services. This is likely to impact in educational psychology, behaviour support, English as an additional language, interrupted learning, autism, assistive technology, and pre-school support services.

“Reduced teacher staffing in medium sized and larger secondary schools, involving around 40 posts.

“Renegotiated service specification for FM (Facilities Management) and cleaning.

“Reduced school crossing patroller service in certain areas.”

He added: “Other proposals include reduced staffing in Family Teams, reductions in CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and significantly reduced funding to HLH (High Life Highland), Eden Court, and some other partner organisations.”

Mr Anderson said the council administration: “remains steadfast in their commitment to do all they can to avoid compulsory redundancies”.

It is believed officials will seek voluntary redundancies or get reductions through natural wastage and not replace outgoing staff.

Mr Anderson said: “If any staff members are at risk of redundancy we will be informing them as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to find suitable employment opportunities and the council has a good track record regarding this.