Agenda item

The Panel received a report which provided an overview of the national and local picture in relation to the recruitment and retention of teachers.

The Service Lead, School Effectiveness, outlined the content of the report and in response to a question from the Panel advised that there had been no progress on the proposal suggested several years previous that temporary accommodation be built for teachers.

The Education Co-opted Member advised that the recruitment and retention of high quality staff was a major concern. Whilst a number issues including the status of the profession, teacher workload and pupil behaviour impacted on recruitment and retention, many in the profession regarded it as a vocation. The quality of some supply staff could be poor and the use of such staff was also a significant cost to a school.

The Panel expressed support in terms of raising the profile of the borough’s academic success and to link this with the success in business. Celebration and promotion of the borough’s successes in education may attract quality teaching staff.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.