Unqualified teachers taking more classes ‘to save cash’
UNQUALIFIED teachers are taking over classrooms for thousands of lessons as schools struggle for cash.
The National Education Union found a school where pupils were taught by unqualified staff 192 times in a week.
Their research revealed that in Sefton, Merseyside, 640 lessons across 17 secondary schools did not have a qualified teacher – 3.5% of all classes. NEU’s Peter Sagar said the figures showed up Government claims to be raising standards. He said: “The privatisation agenda since 2010 has led to unqualified staff being allowed to take lessons in free schools and academies. If your child was ill, would you take them to an unqualified doctor?” The Department for Education said 95% were qualified, and the rest “include trainees and experts such as scientists or sports instruc-