Commenting on the latest statistics released by the Scottish Government showing that reading and writing attainment in the 5 – 14 curriculum is decreasing, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for Education, Margaret Smith MSP said:

“These latest figures show that Scotland’s children are paying the price for the SNP’s education failures.

“Literacy and numeracy need to be key priorities right from early years education all the way through primary school.

“These problems are exacerbated by the SNP’s savage teacher cuts and hazy Curriculum for Excellence.

“The SNP needs to get this right.”