WHILE Gary Smith (Opinion, November 17) is right to make his point regarding improving the quality of supply teaching staff, I fear his research is somewhat limited. He failed to outline that the McCrone committee of inquiry advocated a move to permanent supply staff and that the implementation group on McCrone is currently evaluating the implications of this and many other recommendations.
It was also disappointing to note that Mr Smith’s exmples were drawn from the west of Scotland. Had he considered researching his topic beyond Strathclyde he would have found, for example, that in Highland we have always had permanent supply staff in place since 1999. While this has proved to be very helpful for primary schools, it is not the panacea for all ills, particularly those in the secondary sector.
Bruce Robertson
Director of education
Highland Council, Inverness
