SNP setback as Swinney backs down on education

JOHN Swinney has been forced into a U-turn after backing down in a row over fresh powers for headteachers, it was claimed yesterday.

The Education Secretary had proposed giving heads more responsibility – but the move proved unpopular and councils feared they would be marginalised.

Leaked documents drawn up by council chiefs suggest Mr Swinney has caved in and will allow councils an important role in staffing decisions.

The watering down of the reforms is a setback for the SNP after Nicola Sturgeon said she wanted to be personally judged on the success of her drive to improve classroom standards.

Scottish Tory education spokesman Liz Smith said: ‘It is absolutely vital the power balance shifts to headteachers who, as far as we are concerned, should be the ones who make all the key decisions about what goes on in their own school. We are extremely disappointed if these reports are true.’

In a partial victory for councils, local authorities will continue to have an important role over staffing after talks with the Scottish Government. It is also understood councils will still produce local ‘improvement plans’, even though a Government consultation suggested they should be dumped.

Under the Education (Scotland) Bill, which is yet to be introduced, Mr Swinney wants to give heads more freedom.

But critics believe the proposals undermine councils, which currently deliver education services, and SNP insidGovernment ers fear the plans may not win a majority in parliament.

Council umbrella group Cosla has raised concerns the plans could expose heads to legal liability. Private talks have taken place and Cosla papers leaked to the Sunday Herald reveal Mr Swinney met Councillor Stephen McCabe, who leads on education for the group, on May 15.

The papers said: ‘Following significant lobbying from local government officials, Scottish officials have recognised our concerns.’

It is understood the compromise means councils will be able to intervene if they believe headteachers are breaking statutory guidance and regulations.

Cosla was unavailable for comment.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We have been in productive discussions with local government about our education reforms.’