Disappointment that new school rules are not up for discussion

Scottish education reforms which will see powers extended to head teachers and give parents more say in the running of schools will not be discussed in Fife for the time being.

Fife Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Tim Brett said he was disappointed the issue is not on the agenda of today’s education committee at Fife House, claiming it looked suspiciously like the new administration was avoiding discussion on controversial issues.

However, education convener Fay Sinclair gave an assurance the changes would be debated once more information became available.

Education Secretary John Swinney’s plans will allow head teachers to choose staff, decide on the curriculum and control more funding. He said parents would also have a stronger voice in the running of schools.

Mr Brett said: “These proposals are the biggest single change in education arrangements in education policy in Scotland that we have had for some years.

“However, the council’s education committee is not being allowed to discuss them, despite the impact they will have on current arrangements and will give no timescale for when they will be discussed.”

Ms Sinclair said the council had been given a briefing from the executive director of education about the latest position.

“Tim asked if the item could be put on the agenda for the first meeting and was told it wouldn’t be possible because of the tight turnaround,” she said.

“A paper will come to the committee for discussion once further details become available and it will be looked at fully then.”