Full-time contracts for teachers

Almost 200 newly qualified teachers are to be offered full-time, fixed-term contracts with North Lanarkshire Council in the upcoming academic term.

The coronavirus has had an impact on the local authority’s normal approach to workforce planning and teacher recruitment ; and a number of teachers who were due to retire deferred in order to provide much-welcomed support during the pandemic.

These factors resulted in a reduced number of permanent vacancies available for the 2020/21 session.

However, potential additional funding has allowed the council to recruit more teachers to support schools with the delivery of blended learning over the next academic year.

Councillor Frank McNally, convener of education and families, said: “We are determined to provide career paths to newly qualified teachers – particularly ones who have successfully completed their probationer periods in our schools.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to create fresh opportunities into the profession for new teachers, as well as being able to retain those teachers who chose to stay on and help during the health crisis.

“Both these groups play an essential role in our learning environment. We are confident that, as we progress through next session, there will be many permanent positions for recently qualified teachers to apply for.”

The 195 teachers were told the good news, along with details of their appointments, by letter last month.

Councillor McNally added: “It’s been a difficult time for everyone and our probationers have experienced disruptions to their year. However, I have been really impressed by the feedback provided by our head teachers about this year’s probationer group.”