With your permission, obviously.
I thank the committee for taking such evident interest in this subject, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issue of attainment of school pupils with sensory impairment.
As the committee will be aware, the additional support for learning legislation places education authorities under duties to identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils. Those provisions, which are tailored to the individual needs of children and young people and which are coupled with the personalised learning offered through curriculum for excellence, support our aim of all children and young people making the most of the educational opportunities available to them and being able to reach their potential in learning and in life.
The committee will have noted that the position in relation to learners with hearing impairment is improving. In particular, average tariff scores and leaver destinations indicate sustained progress. Visually impaired attainment has been sustained, and we will continue to focus our efforts on securing sustained improvement.
I know that you have had a chance to see for yourself some of the excellent practice at Craigie and Windsor Park schools. The professionalism and dedication of staff in those and many other establishments is evident and should be applauded.
I believe that there is much good work going on in local authorities across Scotland, against the background of a tight financial position and competing priorities. In addition, we provide direct national funding, for example to the Scottish sensory centre, CALL Scotland and the Royal Blind and Donaldson’s schools.
That said, we recognise that there is still significant room for improvement. The committee has already heard evidence from experts in the field, and I am aware that issues have been raised, including on support data, the training of staff, inclusive education and transitions.
I will carefully consider the evidence that the committee has collected and any recommendations that it makes that would improve the lives of our pupils.
I am happy to respond to any questions that members may have.