Temporary COVID recovery funding of £80 million that helped to recruit 1,400 teachers and 250 support staff is to be made permanent.
From April 2022, the sum will be allocated to the local government settlement every year, allowing North Ayrshire Council and other local authorities to offer sustained employment of additional teachers and support staff, while meeting local needs and benefitting Scotland’s children and young people.
This is in addition to the £65.5 million permanent additional funding announced on 09 August for local authorities to recruit a further additional 1,000 teachers and 500 support staff. It will also be allocated annually from 2022 onwards.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP said:
“Our priority for COVID education recovery is to ensure the highest quality of learning and teaching. Our schools have shouldered significant disruption as they tackle the unparalleled challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is why it is imperative that we do everything we can to support councils to recruit permanent teachers and support staff. This funding will provide local authorities with the certainty they need in order to plan their future permanent workforce requirements.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“The extra funding has made a real difference this year, enabling North Ayrshire and other councils to employ a total of 1,400 teachers and 250 support staff.
“Making this an annual allocation is an excellent investment in the quality of our children’s education – and their educational experience.”
ENDS
