PROTECTION PASSED FOR SCHOOLS

PROTECTION PASSED FOR SCHOOLS

COMMUNITIES GIVEN GREATER RIGHTS OVER SCHOOL CLOSURES

SNP MSP for the Western Isles Alasdair Allan today welcomed the unanimous support in Parliament for SNP legislation protecting Scotland's schools - particularly rural schools.

The Schools Consultation bill - which passed today - places more stringent requirements on Councils looking to close schools.

Councils now have to explain educational benefits from closure proposals, consult for set periods of time and individuals and communities can also request that the Government calls in any decision to close a school.

Additional protection for provision of Gaelic/English medium provision will also be introduced.

Dr Allan - who amended the legislation to ensure changes to Gaelic or English provision in schools were covered by the consultation requirements said:

"This legislation will bring extra protection to schools of all kinds across the country.

"For too long the balance of power between parents and councils when it comes to school closures has been off kilter.

"With this legislation councils proposing closures have a new set of obligations to live up to that will ensure the views of parents, children and communities are taken into account.

"I am particularly pleased to see that proposals to significantly change language provision in schools or to close schools offering Gaelic or English medium will also be subject to the same consultation. This is an essential move for those communities that want to ensure their children have access to both languages.

"Today's bill sees the SNP fulfil a key manifesto commitment and deliver a better future for Scotland's school communities."