Murdo Fraser MSP is seeking “reassurance” from the leader of Perth and Kinross Council that they will not reduce the length of the school week and also not cut teacher numbers.
The Scottish Conservative politician decided to write to Councillor Grant Laing following press reports that these cuts are being considered by Councils across Scotland, which has prompted concerns from parents.
In his letter to Mr Laing, Mr Fraser underlines his “deep concerns” regarding rumours of drastic education budget cuts following the SNP Government’s “lacklustre” funding of local authorities.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “I wrote to Mr Laing, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, following concerns raised by parents who are worried that the council may be looking to reduce the length of the school week in an effort to reduce costs, and that, as a result, pupils will not have access to their normal teachers and educational resources all week.
“This would be a potentially disastrous blow to their long-term academic success. Not only would it have a huge impact on children and young people, it would also be catastrophic for working parents, and make a mockery of Perth and Kinross Council’s commitment to young people.”
Mr Fraser continued: “I also asked Mr Laing to clarify that large-scale cuts to teacher numbers are also off the table in terms of suggestions being considered by the SNP administration on Perth and Kinross Council. Our teachers are the backbone of our education system and deserve to know their jobs are secure.
“I highlighted to Mr Laing the significant worry that lack of clarity about the potential scale of education cuts is causing parents and young people in Perth and Kinross. I therefore asked him for reassurance that Perth and Kinross Council will not be going down the route of shortening the school week and cutting teacher numbers.”
