Funding, not words, needed
Last week I spoke in a debate on Human Rights Day, which highlighted the importance of celebrating and protecting human rights.
Globally, and here in Scotland, one of the most important rights is the right to education.
A good education is the most empowering and transformative tool we have to ensure that future generations inherit a better, more equitable world than the one in which we live today.
Time and time again we have been told that education is the SNP government’s top priority.
In 2015, Nicola Sturgeon said that she wanted to be judged on her government’s education record.
However, the report card does not make good reading for the First Minister.
Under the SNP, Scotland has 4,000 fewer teachers than when they entered government in 2007.
And their handling of our treasured education system during the pandemic has been a car crash.
The Scottish Government consistently fail to listen to the concerns raised by Scottish Labour, the EIS - the largest teaching union in Scotland.
In the midst of a pandemic, our teachers have had to contend with the additional stress of the Scottish Government’s mixed messages, such as U- turns on blended learning and the exam results scandal.
Now, the Scottish Government performed another U- turn announcing that the Higher and Advanced Higher exams in 2021 have been cancelled.
Although Scottish Labour support this decision in principle, the SNP need to be clear on the plan for an alternative form of assessment.
Pupils have been back at school since August, working for months without a clear idea of what the future looks like.
Surely the Government has had time to plan for all eventualities? We need answers and we need them urgently.
Crucially, the evidence shows that children who are from more deprived areas are more likely to be unfairly impacted during the pandemic.
The Scottish Government needs to ensure that the assessments are fair and level the playing field.
We are fortunate in Scotland to have wonderful and dedicated teaching staff.
Everyone agrees that teachers and support staff go above and beyond to ensure that our children get the best possible education experience.
This year we have seen teachers continuing their work through screens, working through the summer to create blended learning plans that had to be scrapped at the last minute and going into work despite the health risks.
However, what additional support or recognition have they received from the Scottish Government for going above-andbeyond?
The Scottish Government’s warm words are no substitute for additional funding for new textbooks, jotters, stationary and additional support staff.
Scottish Labour has always - and will always - put pupils and teachers first.
We listen to their concerns and fight for their concerns.
In Renfrewshire, I would like to see the Scottish Government provide the council with adequate funding to allow the necessary support needed to tackle the attainment gap; increase the numbers of teachers in our primary and secondary schools; and, ensure that children with additional support needs are not left behind.