A controversial redesign of janitorial services across Highland schools is to be reviewed.
Highland Council’s facilities management scheme replaced school jannies with a roving team.
The scheme was meant to bring more consistency to the area’s schools. Historically some smaller schools had no cover, meaning that in some cases, teachers had to do any odd jobs.
Primary and secondary schools share a pool of janitors, who visit on a regular basis.
However several posts were removed as part of the redesign and councillors, particularly those in Ross-shire, raised fears about the scheme last year, claiming it was “inferior” to the janitor service.
Now the roll-out has been suspended to allow the review to be carried out.
There are only two areas where the scheme has not been introduced – North Sutherland and Caithness and Lochaber.
However the process will continue in two areas where it has started – Skye and Lochalsh, and West Sutherland and West Ross.
Councillors on the education, children and adult services committee will be asked to agree terms of reference for the review at their meeting on Wednesday.
The review will take views from schools, teachers, parent council, janitorial staff, councillors and trade unions.
It is hoped that any recommendations for changes will be reported to the committee’s May meeting.
Last month it emerged that the service was overspent in some areas, despite assurances from officials that it would be “cost neutral”.
A council report said higher staffing and travel costs, training, tools and equipment and provision of ongoing playground supervision had contributed to the increased spend in Ross-shire, which amounted to £324,000.
Jason Hasson, chairman of Tarradale Parent Council, welcomed the review and called for a working group to be set up to look at the issue. He said that those carrying out the review should visit schools to see the issues first hand.