EDUCATION

Nicola Sturgeon has said closing the education attainment gap is her key priority and yesterday’s legislative programme included her education reforms to do so. An Education Bill will continue the plan of action which began in the last parliament under the leadership of Education Secretary John Swinney.

Included in the bill are more powers for head teachers, the establishment of a head teachers’ charter, improving parental and community engagement, as well as strengthening the voice of children in supporting pupil participation.

But yesterday the EIS teaching union said it had concern about the pressure the reforms will put on headteachers in terms of their workloads and increased responsibilities.

For pre-school pupils, Ms Sturgeon confirmed her plans to double childcare provision.