Minister denies claim ‘little action’ taken to tackle education problems

The Scottish Government has denied there are “warm words and little action” when it comes to tackling problems in Scotland’s education system.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville made the argument on Tuesday as the parliament discussed reductions to the cost of the school day.

Ms Somerville told MSPs that the Scottish Government intends on lowering costs and providing support to families who are experiencing low income as “one strand” of its work to tackle child poverty, which she said has been “extremely difficult” against a backdrop of cuts from Westminster.

She highlighted commitments from the Government, such as the expansion of free school meals, the provision of free school milk, increases to the school clothing grant and an abolition of fees for instrument tuition.

She told the chamber: “We recognise that our schools and services which support families have a key part to play in delivering our commitments, and we’re seeking to change the experiences of those who are affected by low income in order to provide opportunities and experiences, including through education, which help them to reach their full potential.”

But the Scottish Tories and Labour suggested issues faced by students and schools have arisen due to the SNP’s governance.

Scottish Conservative MSP Oliver Mundell claimed there has been an “endless stream of policies and announcements at a national level”.

Mr Mundell said: “Back in 2015, Nicola Sturgeon said, and I quote: ‘Let me be clear, I want to be judged on this. If you’re not, as First Minister, prepared to put your neck on the line over the education of our young people, then what are you prepared to? It really matters.’

“I agreed then, and I agree now.

“The problem for this SNP government, and in turn, for Scotland’s young people, is that that rhetoric and reality have never been further apart. With every passing day, those words become more and more hollow.”

The Dumfriesshire MSP added: “The truth is that many of the problems we’re talking about today have been created on the SNP’s watch,” suggesting cuts to local government budgets have been the cause of problems in the education sector.

The Education Secretary told Mr Mundell that 2021 was the sixth year in a row that gross revenue expenditure in education saw a real terms increase, adding: “That does not exactly match the picture that the member is painting.”

Mr Mundell replied: “I don’t know how any government can claim schools are their top priority when schools are struggling to provide the basic materials in order for people to participate fully in lessons.”

Labour’s Michael Marra said there was “urgent assessment required” on the health of the childcare sector following disruption from the pandemic, telling MSPs that he has heard of businesses unable to replace lost staff.

Mr Marra said it was “not good enough” that there had been a “list of words rather than real actions” from the Scottish Government on improving the education system.

The Education Secretary replied: “At the budget every single year, his party does not deliver any budgeted costing stats to be able to deliver this.

“So if there’s any danger of warm words and little action, it’s from the Labour Party, who continue to demand the Government does something.”

Mr Marra said this was “entirely false”, and said the Scottish Government “does not have a record where they can talk about the prudent management of the finances of this country and the responsible expenditure of taxpayers’ money”.