Hansard

Is the First Minister aware that the Requirements for Teachers (Scotland) Regulations 2005 require teachers of children with a sensory impairment to hold a specialist qualification, the achievement of which is supported by the sensory centre, which is the only centre of its kind in Scotland? By working with those who are involved in the education of young people with a sensory impairment, the centre is promoting innovation, good practice and expert support throughout Scotland. By now, the First Minister should be aware of the widespread concern about the Government’s decision to withdraw funding for the SSC. Is he aware of the impact of his decision to cut funding on the on-going training of specialist teachers who work to ensure the best educational outcomes for a very vulnerable group of children? Does he regret the fact that there has been no consultation, and will he take immediate action to reverse the decision? The centre costs taxpayers £200,000 per annum. I think that funding the centre is the sort of thing that a Government should be doing.