Education and Learning ongoing commitment to secure and sustain staff

28th August 2025

At today's (Wednesday 27 August 2025) Education Committee, Members received a progress update on Education Workforce Planning. The in-depth and multifaceted report covered key areas, including the significant increase in permanent job roles in Pupil Support, Early Learning & Childcare.

Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: "The Council made a commitment to build a secure, stable, and sustainable workforce to support consistent and high-quality service delivery. The progress made to date is evident and will support both our pupils and staff going forward.

"In 2024/25, 276 Pupil Support roles and 101 Early Learning and Childcare posts have moved from fixed term to permanent posts.

“Furthermore, our turnover of staff within the Education and Learning service area indicates a positive downward trend in staff departures across both teaching and non-teaching roles between 2023/24 and 2024/25. Key factors contributing to improved retention include the introduction of a comprehensive induction programme for new teachers, permanent contracts, continued success of the Modern Apprentice scheme and an increase in probationer teachers."

Cllr Finlayson added: “Recruitment continues to be a significant challenge for some job roles, notability Head Teachers, Gaelic Medium primary teachers, STEM subjects, English, and Home Economics Teachers in Secondary. To address national shortages in English and Maths teaching staff, The Highland Council has developed a targeted pathway enabling current secondary teachers to gain an additional qualification in either subject. This initiative not only supports professional development and career progression for existing staff but also strengthens our capacity to meet curriculum demands in critical areas of education.

“We commend the improvements made to date and will continue to bring regular progress updates to this Committee."

The full report can be read at Item 10
https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5221/education_committee

 

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