FIFE COUNCIL has been awarded more than half a million pounds to improve discipline in its schools.

The money is part of £35 million in national funding from the Executive over the next three years to support teachers in dealing with challenging pupils and improving discipline.

Education minister Peter Peacock said that up to 1000 new support staff could be recruited including pupils’ support base staff, learning support assistants and classroom assistants.

The money has been welcomed by Central Fife MSP Christine May and Fife Council’s spokesman for school children, Kay Morrison, who said the money would strengthen the local authority’s action plan.

Councillor Morrison said Fife Council already had a substantial behaviour support service.

Mrs May said that educational support staff played a critical role in assisting teachers and reducing indiscipline.

“Fife Council will receive almost £522,000 this year, and this funding is set to continue to 2007-08.

“This will allow the council to look at a range of options to deal with pupils who have challenging behaviour, improve discipline and help free up teachers’ time, making a better learning environment for all pupils.”

The MSP said that disruption by badly behaved pupils in school meant that others were prevented from learning effectively.