WHAT THEY SAID

The following comments were made by people calling the BBC Radio Scotland phone-in with John Swinney.

● “The requirement for recording assessments at primary school is bordering on ridiculous – I don’t understand why this is being brought in when it’s already being done.”

Tommy, principal teacher at a secondary school in the Highlands,

● “Recruitment for primary teachers has been a big struggle up and down the country recently... it seems that teachers have a real issue with your education policies.”

Stuart, starting out training as a primary teacher

● “I’m a secondary teacher who has not had a pay increase for ten years. With living costs increasing, I have in essence had a pay cut. How are you going to show people that teaching is a viable financial option as a job.”

Lawrie, teacher in Cumbernauld.

“I work as a pupil support assistant with enhanced provision – the children have quite severe needs and we haven’t had any extra staff or staff with experience with these children’s needs. I don’t think we’re meeting anyone’s needs here.”

● Morag, Aberdeenshire