Head’s English teacher plea to parents

‘Know anyone who’s qualified?’

Parents have been asked if they can help solve a teacher recruitment problem at Balfron High.

The school is short staffed in its English department after a temporary teacher found a permanent post elsewhere while a full-time member of staff has undergone surgery.

In a letter to parents this week, head teacher Elaine Bannatyne said she had been in touch with colleagues at other Stirling secondary schools to see if they had any part-time staff willing to do extra time at Balfron.

She added: “Unfortunately, so far there is no-one able to help.

“If you know of any suitably qualified English teacher who is available but not currently registered with Stirling Council, please do let me know.”

Ms Bannatyne explained in the letter that as soon as they became aware of the staff issues, they advertised for replacements.

“We have now gone through this process twice but have had no appropriate applicants,” she added.

“We will keep advertising in the hope of attracting new candidates. Meantime, we have secured three extra days of cover from our own experienced English teachers who usually work part-time.”

Efforts were being made to secure supply teachers but there was currently no available English teacher on the supply list.

Ms Bannatyne said senior English department staff were “setting and monitoring the work going out and rotating staff to ensure that all classes do get some time with teachers”.

She added: “Please note all pupils are being taught English, their work is being assessed and their progress monitored.”

Forth and Endrick Tory councillor Alistair Berrill said: “This is a very worrying situation for pupils and parents.

“The school will be doing everything they can to address this. I have asked the head teacher for reassurance that the needs of all pupils are balanced but that wherever possible priority is given to exam classes.

“With such a short time remaining until senior pupils have their national exams, they shouldn’t be having to worry about when they are next going to see an English teacher.

“I have also asked Stirling Council’s education department for assurances that teachers in shortage subjects are deployed as efficiently as possible across all our schools.”

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “In common with many other councils we are experiencing some challenges in filling vacant teaching posts.

“The head teacher acted with the best of intentions and we want to reassure parents that we are continuing to support the school to recruit to this position.”

The Observer reported on January 10 that a home economics teacher vacancy at Bannockburn High would be filled this month after a two-year search to fill the post.

Officials said recruitment of home economics staff was proving challenging across Scotland.