Fewer than half the probationers who had a one-year induction in Stirling schools have moved into full-time posts. In Fife, only a third of 120 probationers have found full-time posts with the authority.
Eighteen of 34 Stirling primary probationers are working full-time, eight of them in the authority. Of the remaining 16, three have temporary posts and three are taking a year out to travel. Of the secondary intake, 14 out of 32 have jobs, eight of them in Stirling.
The authority’s children’s services committee was told last week that all but five of the first intake had completed their full registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland by last June. Three have been granted an extension, one resigned and one had their registration cancelled.
An evaluation completed by probationers reveals strong support for the one-year contracts, although they would like to move towards a full timetable commitment in their final term.
Both probationers and mentors in the schools highlighted the volume of paperwork involved while schools criticised the late timing of information about placements.
The majority of probationers acknowledged the support from mentors, who had little time to read guidelines, hold formal meetings and conduct observations and assessments.
