James Clark was employed at a school in Perthshire when the offences took place between August 2011 and February 2019.

Following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court in September, the 56-year-old was convicted of seven charges against seven girls.

The court heard he struck girls with drumsticks and cuddled and kissed them.

At Falkirk Sheriff Court he was sentenced to almost two years in prison.

Assistant procurator fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, Malcolm McBain, said: “James Clark abused his position of trust to assault children in his care.

“His victims demonstrated great bravery and composure during the prosecutions process.

“It is thanks to them, and thorough and detailed work by police and prosecutors, that he has been brought to justice.”