Lib Dems demand a dedicated headteacher for every school.

10.58.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 16th Feb 2008

Sorry - I'm at the other school today...

Liberal Democrats have revealed that a national shortage of headteachers means that six schools in the Borough have one head teacher for two schools.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Dr Stephanie Eaton commented: "It is shocking that in six of our schools one head-teacher has responsibility for two schools. A head-teacher cannot give their complete attention to two schools at the same time. If a head-teacher can double up, it suggests that the children, parents and staff of each school are only receiving half the attention that they should. Children should have a head-teacher focusing full-time on their needs, not spending half their time thinking about the needs of another school."

Councillor Eaton added: "The Council has told us that this model is used in schools that are in need of improvement. This is clearly unacceptable. All schools, but particularly those in need of improvement, deserve a dedicated head-teacher. A number of local parents have expressed their concern to us and we will continue to call for a head-teacher for every school in the Borough."