It is disappointing that such a major change as the decision to merge HMIE and Learning and Teaching Scotland appears to have been made in a short time and without any consultation with the key stakeholders. We hope the Government will use the time before the end of the year to gather and consider the views of all those who have an interest in the effective running of our education system, and that over-riding priority is given to ensuring tangible benefit to children’s education.

Eileen Prior, executive director, Scottish Parent Teacher Council, Edinburgh.