As schools return for the new session, we review Brian Wilson’s first three months as Education Minister and the impact on schools.
Fred Forrester, depute general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland.
The verdict must be “so far, so good”. Brian Wilson has delayed or cancelled several of the most unacceptable proposals of the previous Government. Statutory teacher appraisal will not be introduced, no further opting out of schools will be allowed, a further year will be available for Higher Still and money has been found for early intervention and for alternatives to exclusion.
A further judgment must await events. Will universal nursery education be achieved and how will this be funded? Will there be a further injection of resources into Higher Still? How will the huge problems surrounding 5-14 implementation be tackled?
