Smith: Schools must be fit for purpose (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Smith: Schools must be fit for purpose

March 23, 2010 5:07 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Commenting on the figures released today by the Scottish Government which show that applications for placing requests have increased on last year's figures from 28,498 to 29,892 and that the number of refused applications has also gone up, Liberal Democrat Education Spokeswoman Margaret Smith MSP said:

"These figures show that too many parents are disappointed with local schools. Liberal Democrats want to see all schools in Scotland fit for purpose, so that parents do not have to try and place their children elsewhere. Our plans for a pupil premium will give disadvantaged children a fair start in life, regardless of where they go to school. This will give schools the ability to improve standards as they see fit.

"Placing requests must also be dealt with quickly. These results show that there are still 319 requests under consideration compared to 84 since 2007. The Scottish Government must put speed up this process so that families do not face a prolonged period of anxiety."