JNC- GME Provision in Renfrewshire 01 09 26
Renfrewshire Council · 1 September 2026
Back to Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff — 1 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1 September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side) Gaelic Medium Education Provision in Renfrewshire 1. Background 1.1. The Education (Scotland) Act 2016 places a duty on education authorities to promote and support Gaelic Medium Education (GME) and Gaelic Learner Education. Renfrewshire Council established Gaelic Medium Primary Education (GMPE) at West Primary School in August 2022. 1.2. Since its introduction, the provision has expanded annually. This session, the provision has enrolled the largest Primary 1 intake since it was established. 1.3. Current provision is managed by the Head Teacher of West Primary School. The Council continues to submit successful applications to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Specific Grant Fund and Capital Grant Fund to support development and expansion of the provision. This funding has also facilitated the creation of additional capacity within the central team to lead Gaelic developments. 1.4. Education Scotland's inspection of West Primary School in April 2023 recognised GME as a strength within the school and highlighted the positive impact of Gaelic language and culture on children's learning experiences. 1.5. The Council's Gaelic Language Plan 2024-2029 includes commitments to explore Gaelic Medium Early Learning and Childcare (GMELC) provision and future secondary pathways as part of the long-term ambition to establish a sustainable 3-18 Gaelic learner journey within Renfrewshire. This will also ensure the Council is prepared to meet the statutory duties arising from the Scottish Languages Act (2025). 2. Summary 2.1. Workforce Planning and Staffing Implications 2.1.1. Renfrewshire Council has adopted a phased approach to the development of Gaelic education, balancing parental demand with the long-term sustainability of provision. 2.1.2. As part of the short-term plan, a Gaelic-speaking Early Learning and Childcare Support Worker post has been introduced from August 2026 and when successfully recruited, children attending West Primary Nursery Class will have access to a Gaelic experience programme.
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PUBLIC 2.1.3. Planning is underway for the establishment of a dedicated GMELC provision from August 2027. Hillview Early Learning and Childcare Centre has been identified as the preferred location for this development, subject to implementation planning, registration requirements and stakeholder engagement. 2.1.4. The development of the proposed GMELC provision will require the recruitment of Gaelic Medium Early Learning Practitioners. Workforce planning activity will therefore continue to focus on recruitment, retention and professional learning opportunities in a challenging national labour market for Gaelic-speaking practitioners. 2.1.5. Longer-term planning includes continued consideration of secondary provision and transition arrangements for pupils progressing from GMPE. To support and plan the development of effective transition, we have secured the services of a Renfrewshire secondary teacher (J-P Tonner) with GME experience who will work with us and engage with relevant bodies and neighbouring authorities to explore future secondary pathways with a view to providing effective progression in line with the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan 2024-2029 and thereby realise the ambition of establishing a sustainable 3-18 Gaelic learner journey. 2.1.6. Engagement with staff, parents, trade unions and national partners will continue as the Council develops its Gaelic education strategy and associated workforce plans. 2.2. Financial Context 2.2.1. External funding continues to support the expansion of GME. In recent years the Council has secured Gaelic Specific Grant funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and capital funding from the Scottish Government to enhance accommodation, resources and staffing support. 3. Recommendations 3.1. The Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers is asked to note the continued growth of GME provision in Renfrewshire and the workforce implications associated with this planned development.