New Black Isle councillor looks for 'real sense of urgency' over raising literacy and numeracy standards in region as she lands education committee role on Highland Council
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A NEW Black Isle councillor is keen to make a difference on a subject which has been close to her heart for decades.
And Cllr Sarah Atkin will get the opportunity after becoming a member of Highland Council's education committee.
Three months ago, she was working as a pupil support assistant at Fortrose Academy.
She said: “To go from a ‘hands on’ role in a school to membership of the education committee in a few short weeks is – to coin a phrase – quite a journey.
“Education has always been my personal and political passion. In addition to experience of working in every type of Highland school, I know the system from the other side too – as a parent and parent council chairwoman.
“There is so much that is good in our schools but we do face undeniable challenges. I hope to see a real sense of urgency around raising standards in primary literacy and numeracy – the gateway to all learning. Also, additional needs is under far greater pressure than many realise.
“Finally, I want to stand up for support staff in schools – too often overlooked and voiceless. There needs to be some mechanism for the collective wisdom of this vital part of the education workforce to input more formally into the wider debate.
“I stood for election to make a difference. Being part of the administration has afforded me the opportunity to truly serve my community on this most important of committees. In short, I can’t wait to get started!”
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