Anger at council’s treatment of Young Mothers’ Unit’s top teacher

Bob Seith is the husband of the Young Mothers’ Unit’s principal teacher, Norma, and he’s hit out at his wife’s treatment by Dundee City Council.

At a recent budget meeting, the local authority voted to axe Mrs Seith’s post, claiming it would save £44,000.

The news comes as the Young Mothers’ Unit, in the city’s Menzieshill High, is set to move to another campus amid plans to close the school.And on Thursday, Mrs Seith was ordered to leave the premises of the YMU after council chiefs claimed she was unfit for work.

She’s been told not to return until she’s been seen by an occupational therapist, while it’s also claimed Norma was told she had behaved unprofessionally.

“It’s outrageous,” Bob said.

“To say they will save £44,000 is absolutely bogus. My wife doesn’t earn that. But according to the council, with other costs, that’s what they’ll save. It’s rubbish.”

Bob has seen the effect the unit can have. He added: “I was at Menzieshill High on a supply teaching job. A girl who attended the YMU turned up to class. She was embarrassed to see me as she remembered what she was like at her old school.

“The change in her was unbelievable. Her attitude was completely different. A bit of care and guidance from the YMU had made all the difference.

“That’s what makes this so wrong. In the middle of it all are the girls it’s totally unfair on them.”