CALLS are being made for schools to employ more teachers to work with pupils who have additional support needs.

The Scottish Conservatives claim the number of teachers at Renfrewshire schools who have additional support needs (ASN) for learning as their main subject has plummeted from 85 in 2007 to just 42 last year.

In East Renfrewshire, the figure rose slightly from 43 to 45 over the same period.

Statistics released by the Tories show there are no teachers with ASN for learning as their main subject in Renfrewshire’s primary schools, while East Renfrewshire has just seven.

In secondary schools, the totals fell from 54 to 23 in Renfrewshire and from 31 to 30 in East Renfrewshire between 2007 and 2016.

East Renfrewshire saw an increase from two to eight in special schools but, in Renfrewshire, numbers dropped from 25 to 13.

Tory MSP Miles Briggs wants to see more ASN teachers in schools.

He said: “The number of children with additional support needs is rising, so it is of real concern that the number of additional support for learning teachers has continued to decline under the SNP.

“Additional support for learning teachers play a vital role in helping pupils achieve their potential and overcome learning challenges.”

However, a spokesman for Renfrewshire Council dismissed Mr Briggs’ concerns.

He said: “We simply don’t recognise these figures, as the 2016 census shows we have 81 teachers working in our special schools.

“The council is wholly committed to developing the skills and abilities of our young people and providing the support they need to thrive.

“The 81 teachers who work in our special schools reflect the needs of children and young people across Renfrewshire and this number has remained relatively stable over recent years.”