Scottish Labour today hit out at the SNP’s handling of Scottish education after it was reported that the Scottish government legislation to enforce maximum class sizes of 25 will not be ready in time for the next school year.
 
It has also emerged that many Primary 1 children in schools in SNP-controlled Edinburgh are likely to be in class sizes of 30 next year.
 
This is the latest set-back for the SNP’s manifesto promise that all P1-3 children would be in class sizes of 18. That pledge had already been drastically scaled back by Education Minister Mike Russell following the sacking of former minister Fiona Hyslop.
 
This latest blow comes as educationalists have called for a delay in the Curriculum For Excellence reforms that have been mishandled by SNP ministers.
 
Labour’s education spokesman Des McNulty said:
 
“The SNP have failed to keep the promises they made to Scottish pupils, parents and teachers. When he became Education Secretary, Mike Russell gave a commitment to introduce a statutory cap of 25 of class sizes. The deadline has now passed and next year parents of P1 pupils in Edinburgh and elsewhere will face class sizes of up to 30.
 
“With no backstop of 25 in place, pupils will suffer. We have had no explanation or comment from Mr Russell, a man who normally takes every opportunity to hawk himself round the media. This is further evidence of incompetence on the part of the Cabinet Secretary, whose mishandling of the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence is under concerted attack from opposition parties and teachers representatives.
 
“Education in Scotland is suffering under the SNP, with 2000 fewer teachers, 1000 fewer support staff, a Curriculum for Excellence in turmoil and a class size pledge broken not once but twice.
 
“Parents and teachers across Scotland are becoming increasingly worried by this government’s treatment of Scottish schools – no wonder they are taking to the streets.”

4 March 2010