SNP’s record put into context

Sir, - Martin Redfern’s condemnation of the SNP’s track record on education (July 27) needs to be put into context.

The Curriculum for Excellence, implemented in 2010/11, stems from a 2002 consultation which attempted to remedy dissatisfaction with the standard of education in Scotland.

As a long-serving teacher on one of the General Election debates pointed out, these issues have been ever present during his career.

From the failed 11-plus system during my own school days to the comprehensive system which followed it, generations of Scottish school children and their teachers

have been at the mercy of every government whim.

That the SNP is attempting to remedy this with a policy they inherited from its unionist predecessors is not unique.

However, recent reports have been encouraging. The OECD considers Scotland to be one of the most highly educated countries not only in Europe, but the world.

This is in sharp contrast to 16 to 19-year-olds in England coming bottom and second bottom in literacy and numeracy respectively.

In this context, Mr Redfern’s scurrilous claim of neglect is seen for what it truly is, a desperate effort to undermine a Scottish Government doing its very best to improve a situation not of its own making.

As is his attempt to blame the SNP for Toryimplemented austerity cuts, which he rightly insists are important factors in this issue, although he is not the first to spin this dishonest line. Ken Clark. 335 King Street, Broughty Ferry.