SNP told to scrap ‘detrimental’ primary one tests

JOHN Swinney has been told he must scrap controversial assessments for five-year-old children amid growing fears they are having a ‘detrimental’ impact on youngsters.

Politicians, charities and unions have called for the education secretary to stop the practice of standardised assessments for primary one pupils.

They are encouraging parents to ‘opt out’ of allowing their children to participate in the ‘damaging’ tests. Concerns have been raised over the impact the assessments are having on the wellbeing of pupils – with claims some have been reduced to tears due to the additional stress of sitting tests so early on in their schooling.

Literacy charity Upstart Scotland has now sent more than 30,000 postcards inviting parents to add their names to the campaign against standardised testing.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: ‘The SNP should act – and scrap them without delay.’

Sue Palmer, chairman of Upstart Scotland, yesterday said that the testing had caused anxiety that was ‘particularly damaging’ during the early years.

Jackie Brock, chief executive of charity Children in Scotland, said: ‘Evidence suggests such high pressure can have a detrimental effect on wellbeing.’

A Scottish Government spokesman last night said: ‘For almost all teaching and learning there is no formal legal right for parents to withdraw their child from individual elements of that teaching and learning.

‘If a parent did not wish their child to take part in an aspect of teaching and learning, they should discuss this with the school.’