Hiring more teachers ‘will save taxpayer cash’

Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner has said increasing teacher numbers will save money.

Bruce Adamson, who took up the six-year post in May, said more teachers would be needed for schools to become more supportive.

He told a national newspaper: “To have proper pupil participation in learning delivers great outcomes but it requires additional teachers and support and investment – but it’s a good investment and it saves money because you have less pupil disruption, and a happier workforce and better outcomes, not just education outcomes.

“The teachers know the children better so they can pick up on issues and intervene early so you are going to save money in the health system, particularly around mental health, and the criminal justice system.”

A Scottish Government spokesman agreed with the commissioner, adding: “We have invested £88 million this year alone so every school has access to the right number of teachers.”