THE high number of supply teachers being used in schools in Darlington could be having a detrimental effect on pupils' performances, a report reveals.

The investigation by Darlington Borough Council found that schools in the area are using a substantial number of supply teachers to cover staff absences.

In January alone, there were at least 1,345 supply cover lessons in schools across the borough, costing £90,000, or the equivalent of three full-time teachers' annual salaries.

The real number could be much higher, because the figures do not include lessons covered by supply teachers from agencies.

A group set up to investigate recruitment and retention of teaching staff in the town discovered that about 240 supply teachers were working in Darlington at any one time - an average of five per school.

"The group expresses concern at the effect that supply teachers could have on pupils' education, due to the lack of continuity of teaching staff," says the report.

"It is important to stress that this does not imply any criticism regarding the quality of supply teachers."

Schools were also found to be having problems finding supply teachers. A survey found that 63 per cent of schools had been unable to find a supply teacher to cover an absence in the past year.

Eighty per cent of schools questioned said it would be helpful if the local education authority compiled a central list of supply teachers available for work.

The report recommends that the authority investigates why such high numbers of supply teachers are being used and creates a list of "suitable" supply staff.

An annual award for the best teacher in Darlington is one of a range of measures which are likely to be introduced by councillors to improve the retention of permanent staff.

The findings will be presented to the council's lifelong learning scrutiny committee on Monday, at 4pm, in Darlinton Town Hall.