Inverness primary advised by Highland Council to cut number of classes
AN Inverness primary school is being forced to reduce the number of classes it is running – and is unable to retain its probationary teacher.
Milton of Leys Primary's acting head teacher Meg Snedden explained the situation in a letter which was sent home with pupils today.
She said the school has been advised by Highland Council to cut the number of classes from 14 to 13 and accepts it will impact all children, parents and the community.
The letter states: "We have been advised by the local authority that owing to the reduction in our school roll for this session, we must reduce the number of classes at Milton of Leys from 14 to 13. This is because with our current school roll, pupils from P1-7 can be accommodated into the identified banding for classes and within the national class size guidance.
"We have also been advised that we have to work within the guidelines issued in the budget saving briefing highlighting that there is a £3.5 million savings which is to be delivered by: 'Re-base all school staffing allocations across primary, secondary and ASN schools to ensure transparency and fairness in allocations following national class size guidance and removing all ad-hoc allocations to ensure stable staffing within our communities.'
"We realise as a school the impact that this will have on all children, parents and the community. All classes will have some change and we are working hard to re-structure the classes trying to minimise disruption to learning as much as we can and supporting the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
"We are committed to getting it right for every child, and will work closely as a staff team as we support the children with these changes."
The school is aiming to start new classes in week beginning September 16.
The letter added: "Owing to the need to reduce our classes, one of our teachers, Mr Lallah in P6, will be leaving Milton of Leys to continue his probationary year at another school."
The school plans to no longer have P2/3 and P3/4 classes.
The letter stated: "For all pupils to be part of this new structure, there will be some changes of pupils across all classes.
"The most significant change to the classes for this session is that owing to the numbers we will no longer have the P2/3 and P3/4 classes. From the week beginning September 16, we will have P1A, P1B, P1/2, P2, P3A, P3B, P4, P4/5, P5, P5/6, P6, P6/7 and P7."
The school will confirm pupils for each class by Tuesday.
The letter goes on: "We will closely support all pupils, including pupils who have benefited from enhanced transition in the past, aiming to minimise disruption for them as much as possible.
"During next week we will have ‘getting to know you’ times for children to meet in their new classes to ease transition. We are very mindful of our duty to the children to support their wellbeing and will work closely as a team to meet their needs.
"Meantime, I thank you for your support and understanding in advance. It is a challenging process but please be assured that we will do all we can to make it a positive transition for our children at Milton of Leys."
