Agenda item - The recruitment of teachers in city and the shortage of maths teachers in secondary schools

Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached)

RESOLVED –

1)    The Committee noted the report and supported the development of further programmes for the recruitment and retention of teachers in the city.

13.1    The Head of Standards & Achievement Education & Inclusion introduced the report. It was explained to the Committee that regular high quality teaching was the key to good pupil progress and in order for achievement to continue to rise and to enable all children to attend a school that was judged to be good or outstanding, it was needed to attract and retain the best teachers. The report explained the recruitment of teachers in Brighton & Hove, and made particular reference to the recruitment and retention of maths teachers.

13.2    In response to Councillor Miller it was clarified that Brighton University maths teaching courses were full; however, the problem was with retaining qualified maths teachers in the city. Councillor Miller suggested that if a specialised maths sixth form college was developed in Brighton & Hove, this could contribute in retaining maths teachers.

13.3    The Chair explained to Councillor Mac Cafferty that there could be an option to introduce partnerships between the schools to share maths teachers. It was added that one of the biggest challenges faced for retaining maths teachers in the city was the high priced accommodation.

13.4    In response to Councillor Taylor, it was explained that money was given by the Government to develop maths hubs and the closest one to Brighton & Hove was situated in Burgess Hill.

13.5    The Head of Standards & Achievement Education & Inclusion explained to Councillor Penn that the schools have exit interviews for teachers leaving and notes from these could be requested and feedback at a future Committee.

13.6    RESOLVED – The Committee noted the report and supported the development of further programmes for the recruitment and retention of teachers in the city.