Edinburgh City Council launches supply teacher recruitment drive ahead of August reopening of schools

Primary, secondary and special needs teachers registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland can apply to be added to a supply register, which will be turned to in the instance of any coronavirus-related teaching shortages come August 12.

Bruntsfield Primary School

A call to arms for Edinburgh supply teachers has been launched by the City Council as it seeks to maximise staffing numbers ahead of schools reopening in August.

Council advertisements to apply to the register state: “There is a need to consider the impact the current situation may have on the availability of teachers to provide both in-school learning and online learning in August and beyond. It is also necessary to prepare for the possibility of educational recovery plans being adapted to respond to further national or local changes in guidance.

“Whilst the potential need for additional teachers in the future is uncertain and dependent on a number of factors, we are working to ensure that we are in a position to support our school with identifying additional teachers should they be required to support educational recovery.

“Please consider applying now if you're interested in becoming part of our Supply Register to help with Covid Support.”

Supply teachers will be paid between £27,498 and £41,412 for pro-rata and part-time work.

Cllr Ian Perry, Education Convener, said: “An important element of our plans for schools reopening safely in August is increasing the number of teachers we have available for both teaching in schools and delivering home learning.

"The General Teaching Council for Scotland has issued a nationwide appeal for former teachers to support local authorities and we’ve had a really positive response for Edinburgh schools. We’re aiming to interview applicants during the summer holidays so they are ready to step into the classroom in August.”