Swinney to face MSPs amid call for additional support for learning to be evaluated

John Swinney is set to take questions from MSPs at Holyrood after the Scottish Government were criticised over its support for learning (ASL) provision.

It comes after Audit Scotland accused Ministers and councils of failing to effectively plan for the soaring number of pupils needing extra support in the classroom on Thursday.

A report from the watchdog found that 40% of Scotland’s pupils receive some kind of ASL support, most of which is provided in mainstream classrooms.

However, the proportion in Scotland’s most deprived areas is almost double that of the least deprived areas – 46% compared to 27%.

Also likely to come up is the news that councils could be given the power to introduce a levy on cruise ships under plans being considered by the Scottish Government.

A consultation is due to open on Thursday, seeking views on whether local authorities should be given the optional power to introduce a tax on cruise ships.

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