Parents and pupils at Fife primary school launch petition to keep popular support worker

Southwood Primary School family support worker Tracy is due to leave her role on May 21, despite her popularity with parents and pupil who are desperate for her to stay at the school.

One grandparent launched a petition to keep her at the school, explaining that Tracy has built up relationships with the parents and pupils during her time supporting and helping those who need it.

“I started the petition last week when I picked up my grandson up at the school,” she said.

“I’ve got almost 150 names on the petition, people who feel they want her in this role.

"We want to keep Tracy. She plays a vital role. She supports families and parents in the area. She knows what the families and children need.”

The grandparent said she was “gutted” when she learned that Tracy would be leaving the school.

"We knew we wanted to do something for Tracy – then we knew we needed to try and save her,” she added.

Fife Council education manager Rona Weir confirmed: "The family support worker currently at the school has been working at Southwood on a secondment from their usual, substantive post. This temporary arrangement has now come to an end.

"However, the strategic work already carried out will have an ongoing positive impact on the school and the wider school community. The headteacher is currently exploring other ways that this funding can be used to benefit children and families."