Teacher recruitment on council agenda

RECRUITMENT to teacher roles at secondary schools in Pembrokeshire is one of the key risks highlighted in a new report.

Director of schools Kate Evan-Hughes said there were bespoke packages available as a “sweetener” to encourage teachers to the area as well as collaboration with universities to bring former pupils back to work.

There was a need to “grow our own as well as attract individuals” when it came to teachers, especially in subjects such as maths and science, she added.

The risk and plans to mitigate it were highlighted at Thursday’s (April 4) audit committee.

The council’s introduction of a “systematic approach” to increase a teacher’s chance of self improvement is also enabling schools to meet demand, make improvements and work more efficiently, the report to committee adds.

Discussions with the cabinet member and headteachers were being held about a potential recruitment campaign while progress with ERW had stalled due to its “current challenges.”

Mrs Evan-Hughes added that there were 11 items on the risk register including performance, additional learning need reform and other legislation changes such as the new curriculum for Wales.