Class numbers game cut down to size

September 8th, 2008

Every good parent wants the best for their children and education is at the top of their agenda.

We want to see children in good schools, with good teachers and getting good grades that will hopefully lead to successful lives and create a successful economy.

Of course, its never as simple as that. That is why educational policy is such a big political issue.

Many people would have been attracted to the policy of cutting class sizes in our primary schools to 18, one of the key promises outlined in the current Scottish government programme.

But as we have found out to our cost, what is promised in opposition and what is delivered in government are two very different things on this front.

The recent cases of parents and councils battling it out in court to decide on placements that conflict with this policy have only heightened the debate.

Its unacceptable to see the class size issue determined by sheriffs forced to intervene because the Scottish government is refusing to act.

Class sizes should not be decided by Scottish courts but by the Scottish government.

We are in now in a position that the courts are having to making decisions that politicians should make.

Its no way to run an education system in my book.

So we have to come up with an education policy that is both workable and affordable to give our children the best possible future.