CONCERNS have been raised about 10 head teachers being diverted one day a week to other duties for raising attainment.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s education services committee heard last week how area schools are making “very good progress” to improving learning and narrowing the attainment gap between rich and poor pupils.

Part of the programme during this school year will divert 10 head teachers for one day a week into a “central team” working with schools.

Teachers’ representative Gavin Corrigan said he agreed staff could benefit from the professional development of these opportunities.

But he said: “My concern is a head teacher is being removed one day a week for a year.”

Laura Mason, chief education officer, said: “Our head teachers are often at national courses, local work, so it’s no different.”

Mr Corrigan replied: “I agree but this is another addition. It’s putting an extra strain on deputies and that filters down. 

“Schools are already struggling.”

Ms Mason said: “We will note your concern but we are not expecting it to be a significant issue. We will certainly keep an eye on that.”

West Dunbartonshire has been handed millions of pounds from the Scottish Government since 2015 for the Scottish Attainment Challenge, which in recent months has funded 420 places at 14 summer sports camps for children in P1 to P7. The camps were in Faifley, Castlehill, Balloch, Whitecrook, North Kilbowie/Radnor Park, Bonhill and Renton.

St Ronan’s Primary hosted a learn and grow summer gardening programme while 111 adults and 162 pupils went through the “food, families, future” cooking session at Vale of Leven Academy, Dumbarton Academy and Clydebank High.

There was also a “Bear Grylls’ style” video created in a foreign language as part of a survival language adventure camp at Auchengillan.