Scottish officials have been warned that a lack of qualified individuals in teaching jobs in pre-school settings is harming the new curriculum.

According to the head of Scotland's largest teaching union, 25 per cent of children attending nursery are entering into a "teacher-free zone" when they start their education.

Speaking to the Times Educational Supplement (TES), Ronnie Smith, EIS general secretary, argues that teacher involvement in all nursery settings is particularly important - especially as schools look to implement the new Curriculum for Excellence (CfE).

"Without teachers in all nursery schools and nursery classes, there is the risk that this important early stage of CfE will start to unravel, which will cause greater difficulties for children and their teachers once they reach primary school," he told the TES.

The comments come after it was revealed that local authorities in Scotland are planning to cut teacher numbers, support staff jobs and funding for continuing professional development.

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