Rural school, two classes, one teacher

[Swollenandgrouchy]

Hi all,

my daughters go to a small village primary in Scotland.

there are normally 2 classes - p1-3 and p4-7.

we have recently been told that the p1-3 will now be p1-4 and that the older children (p 3 and 4) will be put in a “spare”
classroom, and that the teacher will split herself between the two classes. When the teacher is not with either group, a classroom assistant will take over.

this seems to me that there are two classes, but they are calling it p1-4 in order to only have one teacher.

it’s not sitting quite right with me - is this normal in small schools?

Thanks :)

No, that really doesn't sound great at all, but it's increasingly common for classes to be taught by teaching assistants due to teacher shortages and lack of money, unfortunately.

In Scotland pupils must be taught by a qualified teacher.

What are the pupil numbers in each class?

Thank you. I think around 20 in each composite class (20 in p1-4, 20 in p5-7).

@EVHead do you have a link to some info about the legal requirement for a qualified teacher to be in each class ? I have tried but failed to find this. Thanks so much !

Hopeful bump

Thank you :)

Sorry no advice, but that poor teacher!

https://www.gtcs.org.uk/join-the-register/apply-for-registration/apply-as-a-teacher/pre-application-faqs-for-teachers-qualified-outside-scotland

This may give you some guidance on who is allowed to teach in Scottish schools, but if the school is saying they are one class, technically they do have a qualified teacher- I'm not sure there are rules around the qualified teacher having to be in the room at all times?

I would query it with the school in the first instance, but likely it's not viable for them to have multiple teachers for 20 children- the school sounds very small and it's possible it's not financially viable at all. Are there any other primary options near you?

In scotland classroom assistants are not teaching assistants and cannot take a class. As this is being timetabled this is not right. Only teacher is in charge of class & could cause issues especially for teacher. Classroom assistant is not insured to be taking a class or even 2 classes. It is not in their role.

Are they saying its one class, but two separate teaching groups?
Because logically, they will need completely different work anyway... the 4/5yos will need play based learning and the older ones a lot more riguous stuff.
So its only the separate classroom causing an issue?

In scotland maximum class size is 25 for P1. 25 for composite class and 33 for straight classes. It looks like 2 composite classes so surely there should be 2 teachers.

If they're in 2 different rooms then they're split into 2 different classes. Classroom assistant should not be timetabled to be in charge of taking a class even if teacher is next door.