DFM gets to work on education

Scotland’s new Education and Skills Secretary John Swinney will meet children, young people, teachers, students and lecturers in a tour of education providers and youth projects in Edinburgh and Stirling today.

In the first programme of public engagements in his new role, Mr Swinney will speak to young people at all stages of Curriculum for Excellence and beyond, and host a roundtable with teachers to find out directly the issues they are facing.

Taking place within two days of his appointment, the tour underlines Mr Swinney’s commitment to engaging quickly and directly with those accessing and delivering education and children’s services in Scotland.

Mr Swinney will start the day at Fox Covert primary school in Edinburgh, having breakfast with primary school pupils before spending time with younger children at the on-site nursery.

While in the capital, Mr Swinney will also visit his former school, Forrester High School, where he will join pupils for a science class and host a roundtable session with teachers.

This afternoon he will meet youth workers and young people from Leith’s Junction Project at Youthlink Scotland, before moving onto Stirling University where he will speak to students and lecturers. He will also visit a college next week.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, said:

“Giving every child in Scotland an excellent education and improving prospects for all our young people is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s priorities this term.

“Allocating the Deputy First Minister the role of Education Secretary demonstrates the significance that the First Minister attaches to this issue. Our children and young people must be given the best possible start in life and I am determined to drive forward this agenda every day that I hold this office.

“Today I look forward to engaging directly with children, young people, early years staff, teachers, youth workers, students and lecturers - all of who are key to helping this government in our crucial work to ensure that every child in Scotland can have a great future.”