Impact of Reductions to Education in Glasgow

That the Parliament is concerned about reported proposals from Glasgow City Council to remove 450 teaching posts over the next three years, to remove and/or replace the MCR Pathways Programme from all Glasgow secondary schools, and, it understands, to put at risk the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) initiative in Glasgow; notes the belief that the MCR Pathways and DYW programmes are key to supporting disadvantaged pupils, including care experienced pupils; recognises what it considers to be the significant impact that these programmes have on securing a reportedly high rate of positive destinations for the young people that they support; notes with concern that teachers, support staff and trade unions have reportedly stated that teaching and support capacity is already stretched in Glasgow, and that these reductions will worsen the situation, could increase incidents of violence in schools, and will make addressing the needs of pupils with additional support needs much more difficult; understands that parent councils, teachers, pupils, and MCR volunteers have all highlighted what they consider to be the hugely detrimental impact that these reductions will have on young people’s lives; recognises the concerns of these groups, and notes the belief that these proposals are inconsistent with the aims of policies such as The Promise and Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC).