Swinney apology over P1 tests letter

Education Secretary John Swinney has apologised to parliament for a “misleading” letter on controversial primary school tests sent by a senior civil servant.

Mr Swinney said that while he did not personally sign off on the missive from Graeme Logan, a deputy director at the Scottish Government, he took full responsibility for it.

Mr Swinney told MSPs at Holyrood he remained committed to the Scottish national standardised assessments at all levels despite cross-party opposition and calls to “cut his losses” on the issue.

Ministers had been pressed to clarify whether parents had the right to pull their child out of the tests after concerns about the P1 assessments.

The letter from Mr Logan to councils last week said children could only be withdrawn in “exceptional circumstances” and stated that advice had been taken from the Society of Local Authority Lawyers in Scotland (Solar), which was later disputed by the organisation.

Mr Swinney stressed that the substance of the letter was consistent with the Scottish Government’s position – that while there is no statutory right for parents to withdraw their child from any aspect of schooling other than some parts of religious education, they could discuss the matter with the school.

Mr Swinney, who has already announced changes to the P1 tests in response to concerns, said he remained committed to them as they provided valuable information for teachers.

Labour’s Iain Gray said: “Faced with the evidence of stress on four and fiveyear-olds caused by these tests, testimony from teachers that they are time-consuming and of little educational worth, and a campaign by parents to boycott them, he is carrying on regardless.

“In P1, at least, they should be suspended. I believe that’s the view of this parliament and I hope we will have the chance to demonstrate that as soon as possible.”

Liberal Democrat Tavish Scott urged Mr Swinney to “reflect on the fact that he hasn’t carried the case in terms of four and five-year-old girls and boys”.

Education Secretary John Swinney takes responsibility over a ‘misleading’ letter sent to councils.