Demo of P1 tests to ‘inform debate’

Education secretary John Swinney has invited opponents of national testing for P1 pupils to see first-hand what the tests involve, before MSPS vote on scrapping then.

Mr Swinney said the drop-in demonstration session – which is taking place ahead of tomorrow’s debate in Holyrood – would allow an “accurate and informed debate”.

Teachers have already claimed the tests have left some four- and five-yearold pupils in tears, and now opposition MSPS are expected to back a Tory motion calling for them to be abolished for this age group.

But even if MSPS vote against testing for P1 pupils, the result will not be binding on the Scottish Government.

And both Mr Swinney and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have continued to defend the use of the tests. Ms Sturgeon last week branded the Scottish Conservatives “shameless opportunists” who “care not a jot about school children”, while the education secretary has insisted scrapping them would be “deeply irresponsible”.

He stressed the assessments are a “valuable tool” for teachers, and improvements have already been made as a result of feedback.