MSPs unite to demand tests for P1 pupils are scrapped

A BID to force ministers to scrap new tests for primary one pupils is to be launched by opposition parties.

The move comes amid outcry from parents and teachers about the new standardised assessments ‘harming the progress’ of five and six-year-olds.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have warned the SNP that they will call a vote on the issue when Holyrood returns next month unless the P1 tests are scrapped.

Teachers have bombarded ministers with complaints about the tests, taken by pupils in P1, P4, P7 and S3.

It is understood all of the opposition parties are prepared to unite around a demand for the tests at P1 level to be ditched.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: ‘Schools start going back next week and teachers are telling ministers not to subject the next intake of four and fiveyear-olds to national testing.

‘If the Government won’t listen it will be up to parliament to put a stop to this.

‘If these tests are not scrapped then Scottish Liberal Democrats will press for a parliamentary vote on their abolition.

‘Teachers say national tests for P1s are harming children’s progress, they aren’t age appropriate and disrupt learning. It is time for them to be binned.’

Last week, teachers told how primary one pupils have been left shaking, crying and distressed by ‘unnecessary and cruel’ testing.

Parents have also attacked the tests, which are completed using a computer programme, with many seeking information on how to let children opt out.

The EIS union is considering boycotting testing of five-yearolds in the next school year.

Emails between civil servants revealed that children cannot be legally required to sit the Scottish National Standardised Assessments, which were introduced across four age groups to help measure the attainment gap in schools.

Tory education spokesman Liz Smith said: ‘We have never supported formal tests in P1. They are not good educational practice and do not deliver meaningful results.

‘[Education Secretary] John Swinney should scrap plans to introduce formal tests in P1.’ Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: ‘P1 tests have been shown to put tremendous amounts of unnecessary stress on the youngest children in our schools.’

The Scottish Greens have previously said it is ‘inexplicable’ that the SNP is introducing standardised testing in P1.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Standardised assessments are an important means for teachers to identify next steps in learning.

‘That is especially valuable in early years if we are to continue to close the attainment gap.

‘Our approach was developed after extensive engagement with teachers, parents, children and academics.’

Graham Grant – Page 16