Inverness parents told of concerns over Highland Council education cuts

A HEAD teacher at an Inverness school has written to parents warning them of the “direct impact” changes to pupil support will have on learning.

Cradlehall Primary head Lawrence Sutherland told parents how the school’s additional support needs (ASN) teaching complement and pupil support assistant allocation had both been reduced – to two days and 55 hours a week respectively, as part of council cuts.

“As you will no doubt realise, this will have a direct impact on the teachers and pupils within the school and obviously on learning,” he said.

Campaigners have spoken out about reductions to support for pupils with additional needs which council bosses say are necessary in the face of reduced budgets.

The council’s interim head of education, Dr James Vance, said he was “saddened” by the letter and claimed it “implies an impact for which there is currently no evidence.”

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