A MOTION requiring parents and carers are informed they can withdraw their kids from national P1 assesements was lodged at Stirling Council on Thursday, October 4. 

The motion was proposed by Cllr Bryan Flannagan and seconded by Cllr Martin Ear, and follows several weeks of controversy around the assessements.

Scottish national standardised assessments were introduced to help the Scottish Government measure the attainment gap in schools.

However, critics of the test claim it has had a negative impact on children's wellbeing, leaving them stressed and upset. 

A recent Freedom of Information inquiry has made clear there is ‘no legal obligation’ for pupils to take part. 

After Cllr Flannagan's motion was proposed, the SNP and Labour Administration at the council put forward a near-identical amendment backing the move to make sure all parents and carers were informed of their rights.

Cllr Flannagan said: “These assessments are damaging to P1 pupils and are not what is needed in their first year of school. 

"I urge any parent, carer or guardian to get in touch with their Headteacher if they have any concerns or wish to withdraw your child.”