SOARING use of supply teachers in Darlington could disrupt children's education, says a watchdog committee.

In January, 1,345 supply sessions cost £90,000, the equivalent of three full-time teachers' annual salaries.

The final report of the council's lifelong learning scrutiny committee says about 240 supply teachers are working in Darlington schools at any one time.

"The group expresses concern at the effect that supply teachers could have on pupils' education, due to the lack of continuity that a permanent teacher could provide."

There was also a problem with supply teachers being asked to teach subjects they were not familiar with.

It was acknowledged that being a small unitary authority had an effect on the recruitment and retention of staff, due to limited opportunities for promotion.

The review group says Darlington should be promoted as a good place to live and work for teaching staff and a central list of suitable supply teachers should be compiled for use by schools, regularly updated and provided electronically for ease of access.

The scrutiny committee meets on Monday at 4pm in Darlington Town Hall to discuss the issue.