A Largs councillor has questioned claims that primary school teachers are ‘adequately’ trained to teach vital science, maths and engineering to pupils.

Councillor Tom Marshall, a former maths teacher at Largs Academy, told a meeting of North Ayrshire Council that he had attended one primary school when science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects were being taught.

He said: “I am concerned that some primary teachers are not up to teaching the STEM subjects.

“One primary seven pupil was trying to solder a circuit board. When they asked the member of staff what they should be doing, they had no idea themselves.

“I am worried that we are pushing STEM on teachers who have no experience or qualifications in the subjects.” The council’s education spokesman Councillor John Bruce replied that primary school teacher training contained specific sections on STEM subjects.

He said: “All primary teachers have adequete training in a range of subjects, including STEM.” Cllr Marshall suggested : “What it needs is for each of the primary school clusters to have at least one teacher trained in science and maths.” Cllr Bruce acknowledged the suggestion and said that they would look for opportunities to ‘enhance’ the programme of teacher training.