Cut In Early Years Education Service Doesn’t Add Up
Another cutback has emerged at Fife Council after staff revealed a primary education support service is to be slashed. The local authority was forced to admit this week that the Early Intervention Project – aimed at boosting numeracy and literacy skills in P1 and P2 youngsters – is to be cut.
Staff approached The Press amid confusion as to what would happen to their jobs and the children who rely on the service.
The announcement is the most recent in a long line of cutbacks as the local authority scrambles to claw back much needed cash.
The Early Intervention Project comprises 66 staff, mainly former nursery nurses, who work in schools with pupils on number and written work.
Staff understand the service was the only ‘good’ to be scored in the council’s most recent education inspection.
But two weeks ago they learned the project was to be reduced with only 25 staff being kept on in schools in the most deprived areas of the Kingdom.
They understand the remaining workers will be redeployed as nursery nurses, or classroom assistants, but are yet to be told where and on what terms.
One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We have been told that our job remit will change but the bosses cannot tell us what it will be. None of us can therefore say if we want to be part of it because we don’t know what it is.”
Stepping Stones
The Early Intervention Project began more than 10 years ago under the name of Stepping Stones, funded by the Scottish Office.
Fife Council took over the financial costs of the scheme when the initial agreement ended.
Staff are confident their efforts reap positive results, reinforced through encouraging feedback from parents.
One employee said: “I have one of the best jobs in education and would be very sad to leave it.
“The council must have known about this for a while. Everyone just feels like they are being walked over.
“We knew there were problems due to rumours. People have left and not been replaced.”
Education officer Donna Manson confirmed a core group of officers will be retained and located to the most needy schools.
She said: “Support for P1 pupils will still be in place for those identified with most need and all other P1 pupils will continue to benefit from the good practice that has developed in Fife as a result of the initial project.”
A council spokesman said a number of voluntary redundancies were expected, allowing the council to then calculate savings made through the cuts.
