Vital school reforms delayed amid SNP’s Indyref 2 obsession

THE SNP was yesterday accused of ‘failing Scotland’s children’ as its flagship school reforms hit delays – while the party continues its crusade for independence.

Education Secretary John Swinney has admitted his key proposals to drive up standards in schools have been pushed back until after May’s local government elections.

This is despite a promise to publish legislation at the beginning of this year.

The embarrassing admission comes as Nicola Sturgeon pushes forward with her drive for a second independence referendum, claiming a vote may not only be ‘legitimate’ but ‘almost necessary’.

It has prompted claims that the First Minister is failing to keep the promise that education is her ‘top priority’.

Miss Sturgeon has previously stated that she wants to be judged on her government’s record on education – and changes to close the poverty-related attainment gap.

But yesterday Mr Swinney said the timetable to publish and hold consultations on a new Education Bill had slipped behind schedule.

Last night, Scottish Tory education spokesman Liz Smith accused the SNP of letting down children as the party ploughs on with its bid to break up the UK. ‘People are becoming increasingly suspicious of the SNP’s claim that education is its number one focus,’ she said.

‘Instead of publishing this Bill when it said it would, the SNP has been trying to agitate for another independence referendum, using Brexit as the tool to do that. It’s behaviour like this which is failing Scotland’s children.’

The SNP’s policy to introduce legislation to devolve more powers directly to headteachers is part of a drive to increase education standards and close the attainment gap.

While Mr Swinney had promised the Education Bill would be published and consulted on in early 2017, he has now limited himself to stating it will be ‘some time’ this year.

He also said that with more than 1,000 responses to the governance review ‘I’ve got to give every opportunity to chew over what’s been said to do it justice’. Since last year’s Brexit vote, Miss Sturgeon has repeatedly claimed it is ‘highly likely’ a second referendum will be held and recently expressed that this is becoming more likely.

Prominent independence campaigners last week began a fundraising bid claiming the SNP leader will announce a vote within weeks.

The first meeting of the Scottish Independence Convention was held and attended by two senior SNP members, Tommy Sheppard MP and Ivan McKee MSP.

A number of surveys have shown a drop in education standards since the SNP came to power in 2007, with Scotland falling behind in reading, maths and science.

Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: ‘This shows what its real priority is. It’s not closing the attainment gap, not providing more resources to schools, but instead Nationalist ministers want another divisive and unpopular independence referendum.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The governance review received more than 1,000 responses from parents, teachers, head teachers, members of the public, charities and other organisations.

‘All responses are now being considered as part of our aim to put schools and communities at the heart of the education system.

‘We remain committed to introducing a new Education Bill in the second year of this parliament.’