1. Declaration of interests:

Natalie Don was invited to declare any relevant interests.

Natalie Don declared that she is a Councillor for Renfrewshire Council

2. Scottish Attainment Challenge Inquiry:

The Committee heard evidence from—

Jim Wallace, Director of Children and Families, Aberlour Child Care Trust;

Maureen McAteer, Assistant Director, Barnardo's Scotland;

Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager, Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland;

Louise Goodlad, Senior Head of Partnerships – Scotland, The Prince's Trust Scotland.

3. Evidence Session (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

4. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme.

The Committee agreed to discuss a draft letter to the Scottish Government in relation to the OECD report on Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence in private at its next meeting and to consider whether to discuss this in public at a future meeting.