A leading education union, NASUWT Scotland, has criticized Glasgow City Council for moving forward with planned cuts to teaching staff in schools. The union has accused the council of failing pupils, parents, and teachers by not conducting risk assessments or completing an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) related to the proposed cuts.
NASUWT submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the council for copies of any risk assessments or EQIAs regarding the impact of teacher cuts on pupil and staff safety. However, the council responded that it had no information on risk assessments and stated that the EQIA would be published on their website within the next four weeks.
The council’s decision to implement teacher cuts without a full EQIA has faced criticism, especially in light of previous budget reductions affecting a mentoring scheme for vulnerable teenagers. Despite the lack of assessments, the council proceeded with the removal of 172 teaching posts by the end of March, months before the EQIA was set to be released.
In an interview, the council’s education convener justified the cuts as a necessary response to funding reductions from central government. The proposed cuts could result in schools having only the headteacher in class for part of the week, prompting concerns from the Glasgow City Parents Group and NASUWT.
Glasgow already has some of the highest average primary class sizes in Scotland, with all seven primary school stages exceeding the national average. The Glasgow City Parents Group expressed deep concerns over the council’s failure to conduct necessary assessments before making significant educational decisions, questioning the prioritization of teacher welfare and pupil support.
Mike Corbett, NASUWT Scotland National Official, highlighted that councillors may not have been given sufficient information to make decisions with far-reaching consequences, urging the council to reconsider its plans. The council defended its actions, stating that an EQIA document was available on their website and that they were meeting statutory requirements regarding class sizes.
Despite the ongoing dispute between NASUWT and Glasgow City Council, the council’s spokeswoman emphasized the need to support headteachers and minimize impacts on schools during the new school year. The council acknowledged the financial challenges but reiterated its commitment to exploring all options to address budget constraints.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that educational decisions prioritize the well-being and educational needs of Glasgow’s children. The calls for transparency, accountability, and thorough assessments underscore the importance of informed decision-making in shaping the future of education in the city.