Prospect seeks members’ views on changes to Scottish education

 Prospect’s education and children’s services group executive seeks members’ views on the Scottish Government’s “Empowering Schools: A consultation on the provisions of the Education (Scotland) Bill”.

Prospect’s education and children’s services group executive council (ECS GEC) have become increasing concerned over the direction the Scottish Government has taken in recent years regarding the governance of Scottish education. The GEC  fear that changes proposed  in “Empowering Schools: A consultation on the provisions of the Education (Scotland) Bill” will continue to erode the role of local authorities in managing, and improving the standards and quality of education in, our schools.   This, in turn, will impact on quality of outcomes for young people.  Changes to governance and funding arrangements for schools may also seriously impact upon the jobs of centrally employed officers in Education Authorities.

The Scottish Government will introduce the Education (Scotland) Bill later this parliamentary year. The Bill will establish a Headteachers’ Charter which sets out the right and responsibilities of headteachers, which the Government believes will empower them to be the leaders of learning in their schools. The Bill will also aim to improve parental and community engagement in school life and in learning outside of school, and strengthen the voice of children and young people.

In addition the Bill will provide the legislative underpinning for the establishment of Regional Improvement Collaboratives.  Prospect has recently voiced its concerns over the establishment of these Collaboratives.

The Bill will also enable registration of other educational professionals with the Education Workforce Council, taking on the responsibilities of the GTCS and Community Learning and Development Standards Council. This will establish professional standards for other education professionals within the workforce.  Members will be aware that Prospect published Professional Standards for Education Development Improvement Professionals in Scotland, some years ago.

Prospect’s Education and Children’s Services Group will be responding to the consultation, on behalf of members, and sharing our views with the Scottish TUC.

Given the important implications for members contained in the Bill, members in Scotland are invited to send in their own views in order that we can represent these in our submission.