Controversial school tests could see SNP defeated at Holyrood

Labour could be backed by other opposition parties

The Scottish Government faces a damaging defeat in Holyrood as opposition parties mount a bid to scrap controversial tests for five-year-olds.

A majority of MSPs are poised to back a Labour motion being lodged in the Scottish Parliament today demanding standardised assessments are dumped for P1 pupils.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has put the tests at the heart of the SNP’s attempt to close the attainment gap.

Iain Gray, Scottish Labour’s education spokesman, said: “These tests are driving children to tears, waste vital classroom time and provide no help to close the attainment gap.

“Labour will continue to work to build cross-party and non-party opposition to these tests.

“That is why I have lodged a motion at Holyrood this week calling for the tests to be scrapped for P1s.”

IAIN GRAY, SCOTTISH LABOUR

The literacy and numeracy tests were introduced for pupils in P1, P4, P7 and S3 with the aim of helping teachers judge children’s progress.

Teachers and unions have raised concerns about the amount of time and resources being consumed by the P1 tests when a play-based approach to learning is widely seen as more appropriate.

There have also been reports of the assessments causing stress and anxiety for pupils.

If all of their MSPs were to support the one-line motion from Labour, the government would be defeated.

While the result would not be binding on ministers, such a declaration from the Scottish Parliament would be impossible to ignore.

Liz Smith, for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “Mr Swinney needs to take his fingers out of his ears and listen for once.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Our review of the first year of operation found many teachers were pleased with the information provided, while the average P1 assessment took less than half an hour in the year.

“Enhancements and improvements this year will provide a better experience for younger pupils and extra reassurance to teachers and parents.”

These tests are driving children to tears and waste vital classroom time.

Picture: Paul Reid. Deputy First Minister John Swinney, pictured at Maisondieu Primary School, Brechin, could see his plans for P1 pupil tests voted down at Holyrood.