Chamber and committees

No, you can’t.

Great. That explains that.

I am going to have to read this, because it is a wee bit complex. What is the timescale for the expected UK-level subordinate legislation that is required for the chief inspector to be designated an office holder in the Scottish Administration?

That is very clear. Thank you.

I thank the witnesses very much for the breadth of evidence that they have given us already. I will ask a relatively simple question—although the end result may not be simple.

Why is it important that the bill should refer to “children”, rather than “learners”? We know that there are people other than children who learn over the course of their lives. Why should children specifically be targeted?

Do you think that negativity makes good press for the media, but not for the education sector? If something that happens that is not the best is reported, that seems to be the only reason for a story. The media never report anything about schools or staff being praised.

I understand that. Can I ask a wee follow-up question?

There is a bit of, “Do as I say; don’t do as I do.” Thank you all very much.

The committee has heard that some teachers—maybe more than just a few—see the inspection process as onerous, largely about accountability and not particularly helpful in all cases. That appears to contradict what Education Scotland says about the inspection process. What is the difference between the perception of inspections and the actual experiences of inspectors of visiting schools?

I am sorry about that.

Thank you. I can see that Gavin wants to say something.