SNP Government 'failing' Scots children as teacher numbers drop and more pupils skip school

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Anas Sarwar had accused John Swinney of "failing" youngsters as the number of teachers drops and more kids skip class.

The Scottish Labour leader hit out after official figures published this week revealed the pressures faced by schools across the country.

More than two out of five secondary school pupils are missing classes for at least 10 per cent of the year as unauthorised absence rates continue to rise.

The proportion of pupils absent from school for more than 50 per cent of the year is at the highest level since at least 2010.

Teacher numbers overall dropped to 53,412, down by 621 from last year – with a slump of 629 in primaries to 24,468.

Speaking after First Minister's Questions, Sarwar said: "This week it was revealed that 40 per cent of pupils have Additional Support Needs – a new record. But, at the same time, the number of ASN teachers has fallen by 400 on the SNP’s watch.

"And, just this morning, the National Parent Forum for Scotland has said: ‘Many parents are left feeling that their children are being failed by our current system.’

"Education was supposed to be this government’s top priority. But it is clear that John Swinney and the SNP have failed. A child not getting the support they need in school affects their whole lives.

"Education is meant to be the great leveller that allows every child to thrive. But under the SNP, Scotland’s young people are not being given the opportunities they deserve.

"Children absent from school – missing out on the education they need. Pupils with ASN not being properly supported – holding back their potential.

'Thousands of Scottish children crying out for help but being rejected from mental health services."

Sarwar continued: "The failure in our schools is on John Swinney. And now as First Minister he is overseeing the erosion of our public services.

"Just this week it was revealed that we have record levels of ASN pupils, one in three children absent from school, falling teacher numbers, crimes of domestic abuse up 11 percent, GP numbers falling and A&E waits at their worst since January.

"Shockingly we have 100 times as many people waiting over 2 years for treatment compared to England. On every measure this government has lost its way and it is Scots paying the price.

"Why can’t John Swinney see what the rest of Scotland can that it’s time for a new direction?"

Swinney said the Scottish Government has pledged an additional £29 million for ASN and £40 million for teacher employment.

He said: “I don’t accept what Mr Sarwar has set out and the measures the Government is taking are having a positive impact on the attainment of children and young people in our education system.

“A record number of pupils are going on to university after school, including those from the most deprived communities.”

The First Minister also referred to a vote in Holyrood on Wednesday, which welcomed some measures in the Scottish Government’s Budget.

Swinney said: “There was only one (Labour) member that didn’t vote for that motion last night and that was Anas Sarwar.

“It wasn’t that he didn’t vote for it once, he managed not to vote for it twice.”

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