Councillor says issue at St Mary’s will be reviewed

Committee convener Councillor Susan McGill told the Observer after the meeting:“I understand fully that parents are concerned, but I want to assure those who have pupils at the school that these changes are to be implemented to secure the sustainable future of the school.

“Quite simply, we have fewer pupils attending the school this year, so it stands to reason that some of that resource be focused on areas that need additional support.

“This is a matter that will constantly be reviewed, however it is unhelpful for Tory councillors to use situations like this to take cheap shots for party political purposes.

“This is politics at its worst and simply plays on the fears of parents, bringing the role of councillor into disrepute.”

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “The decision to reduce class numbers at St Mary’s is an operational matter, delivered as part of the annual staffing exercise across the council’s schools.

“The school-based team and Parent Council were informed of this decision, and the underlying rationale regarding class organisation, prior to the Children and Young People Committee meeting on Thursday.

“The convener and a senior education officer also met with representatives of the Parent Council to discuss the matter.

“While council meetings are open to the public to attend, members of the public are not permitted to speak unless invited to do so as part of the meeting agenda.

“The motion proposed to be heard at Thursday’s meeting was considered not competent.”