Chamber and committees

To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons school pupils taking examinations in some subjects, such as business or geography, will reportedly receive advance notice of what content will or will not be assessed, while those taking other subjects, such as chemistry, will receive no advance notice. (S6O-00749)

More than 200 nurseries wrote to the First Minister this week to raise concerns relating to the roll-out of the 1,140 hours and the funding inequity between the private and voluntary industry and local authority nurseries. Private nurseries have warned that there are serious flaws in the delivery of the 1,140 hours and that, if they are not addressed, many will have to reduce opening hours or close completely.

Will the First Minister respond immediately to the concerns that are contained in the letter? Will the Scottish Government commit to an audit of early learning and childcare funding that compares best value between all sectors?

Pupils who receive a study guide will need access to a laptop or device in order to fully prepare for their exams. The Scottish Government promised internet connectivity, which is vital to pupils accessing the online revision platform. Last week, I raised in the chamber the issue that 80 per cent of school pupils still do not have a digital device. I ask the cabinet secretary again: when will pupils finally receive a digital device? Will that be before the revision support is published, in March?

I have one more brief supplementary. Local government benchmarking makes comparison quite hard, particularly in relation to its family sets and especially with regard to education and looking at the attainment gap. Local authorities not only implement national policy but introduce locally led initiatives and policies to benefit their own areas, so how can best practice be shared, particularly at a time when local government budgets are quite stretched? Obviously I am concerned about resources and funds for implementing best practice and good policies to close the attainment gap.

Perhaps I can ask Becky Francis that question. [Interruption.]

Professor Ainscow mentioned that tools are needed to measure progress in education and in closing the attainment gap. Kaukab Stewart talked about best practice and sharing information between local authorities. What other benchmarks could be used to measure progress at school level, local authority level or national level?

Emma Congreve wants to come in, too, convener.

I thank my colleague Stephen Kerr for bringing the debate to the chamber so that we can all join together in celebrating the remarkable achievement of Her Majesty the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

Her Majesty has become the first British monarch to have reigned for 70 years. In that time, there have been many extraordinary firsts. On 23 May 1953, Everest was conquered for the first time by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. News of that incredible achievement would reach the United Kingdom on the morning of Her Majesty’s official coronation on 2 June 1953.

In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the surface of the moon. On 9 November 1989, the Berlin wall came crashing down in a resounding victory for freedom and democracy that was rejoiced the world over. There have also been advancements in technology, medicine, human rights, international trade and global travel.

The selfless dedication to duty and a commitment to upholding the values of freedom and democracy are a testament to everything that Her Majesty seeks to achieve in her daily life. The list of titles and responsibilities that are invested in Her Majesty could fill the chamber 10 times over, so, given the time that is available, I will pick out one or two.

As head of the British armed forces, Her Majesty has overseen the finest military men and women the world has ever seen. Our military personnel hold a very special place in the heart of the nation, and throughout the past 70 years, those traditions have been expertly handled by Her Majesty in her role as commander-in-chief of the British armed forces.

For many, trooping the colour has always been a special highlight of the British summer, but the event that is clearest in my memory is watching Her Majesty lead the nation in remembrance day services at the cenotaph.

Her Majesty has a close and personal connection to Scotland, where she is known as the chief of chiefs. It is always a pleasure to see the Royal Company of Archers, resplendent in their uniform of green velvet, providing an official bodyguard on state visits such as the opening of the Scottish Parliament, which we all attended a few months ago.

However, it is not official state visits that are most clear in my memory. What stands out is the footage of Her Majesty, Prince Philip and their young family at Balmoral, enjoying many happy days at home in the Scottish Highlands. The love and affection that Her Majesty holds for Scotland are unrivalled. We have always held a special place in her heart. It is important that we always remember Her Majesty’s words. She said:

“I have spoken before of my deep and abiding affection for this wonderful country, and of the many happy memories Prince Philip and I always held of our time here. It is often said that it is the people that make a place, and there are few places where this is truer than in Scotland, as we have seen in recent times.”

I echo the words of David Cameron, who, as Prime Minister, eloquently led the House of Commons on the occasion of Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee celebration. He said:

“On her first address to the nation as Queen, Her Majesty pledged that throughout all her life, and with all her heart, she would strive to be worthy of the people’s trust: this she has achieved beyond question. The nation holds her in its heart, not just as the figurehead of an institution but as an individual who has served this country with unerring grace, dignity and decency.”—[Official Report, House of Commons, 7 March 2012; Vol 541, c 849.]

I think that we can all agree that there is no finer tribute to Her Majesty on her platinum jubilee.

God save the Queen!

Good morning. I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests: I am still a serving councillor on North Lanarkshire Council.

I want to ask about 20-minute neighbourhoods, as they are a significant feature that runs through all sections of NPF4. How can they be delivered in practice, particularly in rural areas? A couple of you have indicated that that might be problematic.

Thank you—

Thank you, Tony. Thank you, convener. I will hand back to you as I am conscious of time.