Call for equal and fair provision
- A report by Reform Scotland highlights inequality in government-funded nursery provision and calls for “a simple change to the system which would make it fair and equal”. An Equal Start shows that, although some children are entitled to two years of this provision, others are entitled to as little as 15 months - and may receive even less. The report calls for all children to be offered a full two years of government-funded provision, irrespective of age.
Union fights for more FE funding
- The EIS has written to all MSPs, urging them to press for increased FE college funding. The union pointed out that the Scottish government made a manifesto commitment to maintain student numbers, but latest figures showed a decline of more than 43,000 places since then. General secretary Larry Flanagan said that colleges had “endured four consecutive years of funding cuts, with serious consequences for the entire FE sector”.
Scottish star in hunger campaign
- Scotland’s biggest campaign on global hunger has been launched in Glasgow by a coalition of charities and faith groups, with support from high-profile Scots including Ewan McGregor. “Enough Food for Everyone IF”, which had separate launches elsewhere in the UK, is also supported by Bill Gates. A report coinciding with the launch warns that, without action, hunger and malnutrition will trap almost a billion children in poverty by 2025.
Kiwis come over for GTCS lesson
- Educationalists from New Zealand made a two-day visit this week to find out about the work of the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Paul Goulter and Ian Leckie, national secretary and president of the New Zealand Educational Institute, arrived following a visit to their country last July by GTCS chief executive Anthony Finn. He said: “Fostering closer ties with our international colleagues in education is important for the further development of Scottish education.”
College merger will go ahead
- The merger of three Glasgow FE colleges - John Wheatley, North Glasgow and Stow - will take place on 1 August. Their boards of management announced that due diligence reports had been concluded by external consultants and a partnership agreement signed by all three chairs. Consultation will take place soon to allow students, staff and others to have a say on the merger.
