meeting with jenny gilruth

This week, we met with Jenny Gilruth and senior government representatives to address the ongoing crisis in teacher employment. The meeting was informal but constructive, with the Cabinet Secretary appearing receptive to our concerns and ideas.

Key points raised:

• The lack of accurate tracking of supply teacher numbers due to gaps in the teacher census.

• Using supply staff on a permanent basis to help meet commitments on increasing non-class time and improving staff-to-pupil ratios in schools with ASN and PEF needs.

• Ensuring probationer teachers are genuinely supernumerary, as intended.

• Highlighting that the £145.5m annual education funding does not support permanent contracts because it is not permanent funding.

• Restructuring ITE (Initial Teacher Education) places to better align with workforce needs.

While the government holds the purse strings, it is clear there are significant challenges between the government, COSLA, and councils regarding funding and responsibilities.

We are awaiting formal minutes from the meeting and will share further updates when possible. With the Scottish Budget announcement approaching, we hope to see concrete actions from the Cabinet Secretary to address the teacher employment crisis.

We remain cautious but optimistic and will continue to push for meaningful change