A TEACHING union has criticised Suffolk County Council for advertising for four learning advisers whose combined salaries could top �200,000.The authority is currently advertising for four 'secondary transforming learning advisers' who will each earn a salary of between �46,801 and �50,237 - which could rise to �53,554.

A TEACHING union has criticised Suffolk County Council for advertising for four learning advisers whose combined salaries could top �200,000.

The authority is currently advertising for four 'secondary transforming learning advisers' who will each earn a salary of between �46,801 and �50,237 - which could rise to �53,554.

The council says it is looking for 'highly motivated and committed' teachers for the vacancies who will work with schools where changes are taking place due to the creation of new buildings.

As well as these four roles, the council is also advertising for a general adviser to work in the Ipswich area who would be earning the same salary.

Last night, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) said it is 'very concerned' about the council spending that amount of money on the advisers and said it could be better used elsewhere.

Graham White, secretary of Suffolk NUT, said: 'I am very concerned that they seem to be spending this sort of money on what seems to be a management-type post.

'I do have some concerns given the news on Tuesday in terms of middle school reorganisation and Government cutbacks and GCSE results. How are they going to use this money and what way are they going to be transforming learning?

'I would be far happier if the money was given to separate schools in the sense of putting money in to enable teachers and headteachers to decide what is best for their schools in order to improve learning outcomes.

'As a sum of money, you are looking at the equivalent of a headteacher's salary. I think that money could be spent in other ways.'

The role involves working within a project team to support schools which are being transformed as a result of Government funding for the creation of new buildings.

Simon White, director of children and young people's services at Suffolk County Council, said: 'These new staff members will help us to achieve one of our key priorities, which is to transform learning and skills in Suffolk. These advisors will help our schools to ensure that they are making the most of the latest developments in learning, working directly with teachers and headteachers to help them to raise standards in the classroom. They will also help to ensure that we make the most of the �150m investment in schools from the Building Schools for the Future programme. We are committed to ensuring that all our young people have the opportunities to achieve their full potential, and these posts will help us to do just that.'