This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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£1 million additional support for probationer teachers
30/08/1999
"A well-supported start is vital for teachers to develop the confidence and skills needed for the demanding job ahead," said Education Minister Sam Galbraith today when he visited a group of probationer teachers during a staff development session in East Renfrewshire.
Sam Galbraith said:
"It is important for teachers to have the very best start to their career. Concerns have been raised by teachers that aspects of their probation period are unsatisfactory and it is vital that we address this. We are committed to strengthening the probationary period and have therefore made £1 million available within the Excellence Fund for training and support of probationer teachers.
"Additionally we are working with the GTC to bring about improvements - including the development of a coherent induction system for all probationers and a standard for the successful completion of probation.
"Speaking with the probationer teachers today has given me a valuable insight into their experience of probation so far and how they believe it could be enhanced."
£377 million is available through the Excellence Fund over three years to raise attainment and promote social inclusion in Scottish schools. £1 million is available specifically to support probationer teachers. East Renfrewshire Council successfully bid for approx. £20,000 per annum from the Excellence Fund and plans the following enhanced programme of support:
· develop twilight sessions by commissioning external presenters and speakers
· develop an authority induction/welcome pack
· provide time for probationers to work with "mentor" teachers
· provide access for temporary probationers to ICT in-service suite.
Similar initiatives are being put in place by local authorities across Scotland.
News Release: SE0454/99
30 August, 1999