Concerns over the future of pupil support assistants in Highland schools have been raised at Holyrood amid warnings that staff and families face another summer of uncertainty.
Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Andrew Baxter used a question in the Scottish Parliament to ask ministers what assessment had been made of the impact any reduction in hours or loss of pupil support assistant posts could have on rural primary schools.
The issue is particularly significant in remote and rural communities where recruiting and retaining education staff can already be challenging.
Speaking in the chamber, Mr Baxter highlighted the uncertainty faced by support staff as schools approach the summer break.
He said:
“Every summer, pupils, parents, teachers and pupil support assistants are left wondering what their classroom will look like after the holidays.
“One PSA recently told me last week they were informed before the school day began that there was no allocation for their post beyond the summer.
“Having just moved into their first rented flat, they do not know how they will pay the bills.
“Does the Cabinet Secretary accept that this annual cycle of uncertainty is failing both staff and pupils, and what action will the Scottish Government take with local authorities to ensure young people receive the support they need to reach their full potential?”
Pupil support assistants play a key role in helping children with additional support needs, assisting classroom teachers and providing practical support that enables pupils to participate fully in school life.
Mr Baxter said the uncertainty surrounding contracts risks making recruitment and retention problems even more difficult, particularly in areas already facing housing shortages and workforce challenges.
Speaking after the parliamentary exchange, he said:
“I know that many highland schools are struggling to recruit permanent staff, yet at the same time the conditions that PSAs face are terrible.
“If we want people to make their lives in the highlands, then there need to be permanent contracts and affordable housing for key workers.
“I am concerned that the Scottish Government do not appreciate the scale of the challenge that this is posing for highland constituencies like mine.”
The comments add to a wider debate about education staffing levels and support provision in rural Scotland, where schools often face unique challenges linked to geography, recruitment and population pressures.
For many families, teachers and support staff, attention will now turn to what decisions are made before pupils return to classrooms after the summer holidays.
