Commenting on the news that the Education Secretary has written to the parents of primary 7 pupils in Scotland about Curriculum for Excellence, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Margaret Smith MSP said:

“We told the Scottish Government last year that not enough had been done to involve and inform parents about Curriculum for Excellence so we support any engagement with parents, however late in the day.

“The picture across the country remains patchy with some schools and local authorities being more concerned than others about their state of readiness.

“That amounts to little more than a postcode lottery for education so it’s little wonder that with hardly any time left in the school term, teachers and parents all over Scotland feel Curriculum for Excellence has been handled badly by the SNP.

“Mike Russell needs to be clear with all teachers and parents and explain what Curriculum for Excellence means for their children and pupils.

“We must also see a sustained approach to support for teachers and schools which will continue up to and beyond the August deadline.

“Most of the concerns remain in the secondary sector so it’s vital that this support continues right through the introduction of the new National Qualifications.”