A WARRINGTON MP has hit out after Government statistics reveal that there are currently 50 unqualified teachers working in schools in the town.

Figures from the Department for Education, which have been obtained by Helen Jones, show that 10 teachers in primary schools and 40 in secondary schools do not have qualified teacher status.

Mrs Jones accused the Coalition Government of trying to educate children on the cheap.

She said: “Recent reports have shown that the Government is failing to recruit and train enough teachers. 

“Now it is clear that unqualified staff are teaching in Warrington schools.

“Our children deserve better than this.  We would not dream of allowing unqualified doctors to treat us or unqualified nurses to look after us. 

“The same principles should apply to the development of our children’s brains.”

A total of 930 teachers currently work at secondary schools.

This means that almost five per cent of those teaching in high school classrooms are unqualified – a figure which is higher than the north west average which stands at 2.8 per cent.

In primary schools, unqualified workers count for just over one per cent of the teaching population which is currently made up of 990 teachers.

Mrs Jones added: “Enthusiasm and a willingness to do the job are not enough by themselves - people need proper training. 

“This Government is trying to educate our children on the cheap and that will cost much more in the end.”​