Teachers return to schools to find supplies dumped in skip

Primary school teachers in Midlothian have returned to classrooms this week to find their supplies in skips outside schools.

Midlothian Council authorised contractors Skanska - who provide building maintenance - to remove "non-compliant furniture" for a deep clean at seven schools.

The Scotsman newspaper reported that toys and teaching materials were also removed at the schools in Gorebridge, Lawfield, Loanhead, Moorfoot, Stobhill, Strathesk and Tynewater.

Midlothian Council said some items may have been taken from classrooms in error and said they were working to have them returned or replaced.

Teachers had returned to work on Monday for staff development days to prepare for the return of pupils on Wednesday.

Some staff were forced to go through skips to recover discarded items.

One teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had lost teaching materials and gifts from pupils that were irreplaceable.

She said: "There were materials I’d built up after years of teaching.

"It’s hard enough getting ready for the kids coming back. I wish I knew it was happening and I would have removed things.

"I know it was an accident and I hope it gets sorted."

The EIS union said teachers were "distraught" to see their classrooms emptied.

An spokesperson said: “The EIS has been assured that the local authority is collaborating with the contractor to resolve the issue promptly.

"Our schools are already under-resourced and staff workload is extremely high, so the parties responsible must take remedial action as a matter of urgency."

A 2023 survey by the EIS found 69% of members surveyed had spent their own money to buy food, clothing, and school equipment for their students.

Midlothian Council said head teachers had been asked by Skanska to remove non-compliant items and tidy learning spaces to allow for the deep clean.

A Midlothian Council spokesman said: "All Skanska schools have a process in place to manage the introduction of new equipment and furnishings to meet expected health and safety standards.

"With the permission of the education service, Skanska removed items that did not comply with these standards.

"We realise this has caused some upset but we are also aware we must meet our contractual obligations and all health and safety guidelines."

The council said it was working with Skanska and head teachers and making "every effort" have items returned or replaced.