The Education (Scotland) Bill has been introduced!

Date: 24th June 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

A child learning

The Scottish Government published a consultation last year for the Bill’s provisions, seeking views on the number of proposals it had developed on how to establish a new qualifications body and the ways in which the Scottish Government could maximise the positive impact of inspection.

Together responded to this consultation making two calls to action which were:

  • Ensure that children’s human rights are at the heart of the reforms and new systems.
  • Explore the opportunities presented by the Education Bill to bring provisions of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 within the scope of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill has now been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. The Bill is in two main parts. Part one of the Bill establishes Qualification Scotland which would replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Part two of the Bill establishes the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, setting out what they will do and how they will operate. The Bill is currently at stage 1.

Nicola Kilean Children and Young People’s Commissioner has responded to the proposed Education (Scotland) Bill. In her response, she urged the Scottish Government to take a comprehensive approach in the whole reform system and to involve children and young people in every step of the way.