Education budgets could be cut with teacher numbers falling because the area is no longer seen as the “key service” it once was, according to the education spokesman for Scotland’s councils.
The idea of having pupils start school at six years old was floated as Fife Councillor and Cosla representative Douglas Chapman told Holyrood’s education committee “the jury is out” about whether there is a direct link between a reduction in those in control of classrooms and a fall in pupil attainment.
Education Secretary Mike Russell insisted councils must come up with imaginative ideas to improve education in exchange for the freedom to cut teacher numbers, as he accused No supporters of causing a shortfall in his budget.
Mr Chapman said: “In years gone past a lot of local authorities have tried to protect education because they valued that as a key service.
“We are now at a stage where it is difficult to offer that level of protection as much as we would want to do because there are other demographic pressures of people growing older and needing more care.”
He added: “Whether there is a direct link between a fall in teacher numbers and maintaining the level of attainment you want to see or improvement in attainment I think the jury is out on that one.
“But nevertheless, it would have an impact in terms of teachers I’m sure.”
As well as increasing the school starting age, more shared services between local authorities and sending pupils to “hub” schools for certain lessons were among the ideas floated by council representatives at the committee.
Mr Russell said he does not believe cutting teacher numbers will improve education.
However, he confirmed sanctions have been suspended for councils which want to cut teacher numbers while discussions on the 2015/16 budget are under way and said there was a “strong argument” for shared services.
No agreement has been reached on maintaining teacher numbers next year, Cosla confirmed.
The SNP member claimed it is “perfectly possible” to increase teacher numbers “provided the resources are provided” but said people must recognise “the realities of finance, austerity and the roles of Scottish local authorities”.
Mr Russell added: “Let me make it absolutely clear I don’t believe you can drive up attainment and improve outcomes with fewer teachers.”