First minister Humza Yousaf has written to education secretary Jenny Gilruth to set out her priorities for the months ahead.
Coinciding with the publication of the 2023-24 Programme for Government, the letter covers topical issues including the Hayward review of assessment, violence in schools and the reform of national education bodies such as Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
However, there is no direct mention of other high-profile issues, including teacher numbers and the government policy on reducing class-contact time.
Some of the “objectives for your portfolio for 2023-24” that Mr Yousaf sets out to Ms Gilruth this afternoon include:
SNP education priorities for 2023-24
Education reform
New national education bodies will “collaborate and strengthen support for the teaching profession, supporting a coherent learner journey, within which curriculum and assessment are aligned at all levels”.
Hayward review
Ms Gilruth should in the coming year “develop and publish a response” to Hayward’s recommendations on qualifications and assessment.
Free school meals
“You will work with [local authorities’ body] Cosla to prepare schools and infrastructure for the expansion to eligible young people in P6 and P7,” says Mr Yousaf, The Programme for Government indicates that full rollout is expected in 2026, years after the original 2022 target.
Return to international education studies
To prepare the way for Scotland’s participation in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (Pirls) 2026 and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (Timss) 2027, “we will engage with the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement”, including the appointment of a national research coordinator contractor during the coming year to deal with Pirls.
Violence in schools
“Following consultation with stakeholders, this year you will publish the national framework, to better support schools in tackling gender-based violence and sexual harassment, as part of wider work to ensure schools are safe spaces for all,” says Mr Yousaf.
Disabled school leavers
Ms Gilruth is to “co-develop a statement of intent for Scotland’s first National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy...ensuring that there is a joined up approach to supporting our disabled young people as they make the transition to adult life”.
Careers advice
Regarding careers advice, Ms Gilruth will, through joint work with employers and third-sector specialist providers, “ensure all school leavers, regardless of their background, have the support they need to further their education or secure a job or training place”.
Digital devices
“Working closely with Cosla, you will agree a funding model and mechanism to distribute £13 million capital funding to local authorities to invest in their digital provision across the learning estate,” Mr Yousaf tells the education secretary.
School-age childcare
“You will take forward work to build the system infrastructure for school-age childcare, including through investing in a range of projects across the country to test and refine approaches,” indicates the first minister.
Early years
“You will begin to build the evidence base and start work to trial and evaluate models to deliver funded childcare for one- and two-year-olds, focusing on those who need it most,” says Mr Yousaf.
