Praise for school progress despite threat of strike
JOHN Swinney hailed a “renaissance” in Scottish education – as teachers threatened to strike.
The Education Secretary was on stage at the SNP conference in Aberdeen yesterday, praising pupils and teachers for their efforts.
Swinney said progress is being made in closing the attainment gap between children from poorer and wealthier backgrounds.
He said: “When I visit schools and meet the fantastic young people and speak to the brilliant teachers, I know their efforts are delivering.
“We all know there is much more to do but I believe we are seeing the start of a renaissance in Scottish education.”
And he said breaking BY ANDY PHILIP the cycle of deprivation is a “moral mission” for the Scottish Government.
But in Dundee, the EIS teachers’ union said members might strike if the Government don’t accept their demand for a 10 per cent pay rise.
The union have already rejected a two or three per cent increase, which is in line with public sector pay policy.
EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said a bigger pay bump is needed to attract more teachers and that training places this year have not been filled.
He added: “I am convinced the Scottish Government will only concede our claim if they believe our threat of strike action is a real one.”