Can't afford to leave our children's future to chance - Leadership contender calls for better start to school

9 August 2008

Cathy Jamieson has called for a £15 million package to deliver at least 500 qualified early-years workers to help boost attainment in Primary 1.

The Labour leadership candidate said that her plan would make a huge difference in Scotland's youngsters.

She said that she has been listening to parents, teachers, and Labour Party members and worries about transition to school had come up as a real issue.

It is envisaged that the 500 workers would be targeted at the schools who were struggling the most with attainment levels but with a view to a wider roll-out to every Primary 1 classroom.

Ms Jamieson said:

"Children who are struggling at age five and six with basic skills too often go on to struggle at 11 and at 16.

"Early intervention is the key to ensuring that every child can succeed and this plan is a bold but vital intervention.

"Increasingly it is recognised that children at this stage learn better and develop faster by exposure to active learning through purposeful play.

"Results from across Europe show that in countries where active learning through play is common, children do extremely well at school.

"Young children at this stage learn better through exploration and active participation in play with a purpose.

"This more active approach prepares them better for later stages of their education, helps to raise levels of attainment and helps children in the transition to school.

"Active learning linked to literacy and numeracy initiatives will lead to better learning outcomes for children.

"The introduction of a properly qualified early-years worker would complement the work of the teacher and at a stroke would cut the adult/pupil ratio in Primary 1 at a time when the SNP's class size reduction is turning into a shambles across Scotland.

"We need to build on the good work already being done across Scotland.

"I am committed to providing our children with the best possible start in life and this plan will have a lasting benefit that will pay for itself in years to come."


Published and promoted by Hugh Henry, on behalf of Cathy Jamieson. All care of 6 Parkinch, Erskine, PA8 7HZ.