Teacher vacancies ‘a matter of urgency’

VACANT TEACHING posts at Breadalbane Academy will be filled as a matter of urgency, Perth and Kinross Council has reassured parents.

The loss of a chemistry teacher from the Aberfeldy school had concerned parents, who felt the matter had not been tackled with sufficient speed.

“Parents and pupils alike are astounded that this situation has been allowed to develop,” said one mother, who preferred not to be named.

“How, when this was a planned departure, could the education authority not have stepped in? How can our children expect to achieve the necessary qualifications to pursue their future careers when the school do not provide teachers to teach them?”

The imminent loss of a maths teacher compounded her anger and she said one of her children had recently been left without a maths teacher at an important time due to paternity leave.

In response, a council spokesman said: “Perth and Kinross Council and Breadalbane Academy can confirm that a member of staff from the chemistry department took up a new post at the end of January.

“The vacant post is being advertised and a supply teacher will be brought in to fill the vacancy in the interim.

“A member of staff from the mathematics department is also due to leave the school in the near future and this post will also be filled.

“Cover arrangements for classes are being prepared at present.

“While it is correct to state that there was recently mathematics staff absence, classes concerned have had all their work planned and overseen by the principal teacher for the subject and there have been no complaints about this arrangement.

“We would like to reassure the parent concerned and all parents and carers of children at the school that appropriate steps are and will be taken where staffing cover is required, in the best interests of young people’s education.

“More generally, Breadalbane Academy’s recent Education Scotland inspection was positive in nature, with no areas of concern highlighted.”