Mr Swinney says Education Scotland are deploying their staff to work alongside teachers through the regional improvement collaboratives, is a significant element in the early implementation of this reform.

He says the government is delivering its Teaching Makes People recruitment campaign, increasing the number of places available in teacher education programmes and funding a series of new routes to teaching.

The education secretary says masters degrees allowing teachers to work across both the primary and secondary sectors, primary qualifications with specialisms in science or additional support needs, and provision that allows students to qualify across a 52-week period rather than the traditional model, are just some examples of new programmes.

He confirms the government is inviting new proposals for routes into teaching.

Mr Swinney says the leadership of the collaboratives will therefore be critical to enhancing the support our schools receive.

He says the Regional Improvement Lead will be selected jointly by the chief inspector of education and the local authorities that make up the individual improvement collaboratives.

Mr Swinney says the Improvement Plans and the Workforce Plans will be formulated at local level but will require to be agreed with the chief inspector of education.

He says he is clear that these reporting arrangements will ensure there is a system wide responsibility to support our schools in closing the attainment gap and providing excellence and equity for all.

Mr Swinney says best practice will be shared by stakeholders and regional partners.

The education secretary says areas for improvement will be identified and measures will be put in place to improve them.

He says the regional collaboratives will be up and running this year and detailed improvement plans will be in place by January 2018.

Mr Swinney says leadership of the collaboratives will be crucial.

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Education Secretary John Swinney says the system is still too variable.

Mr Swinney says he wants excellent education for every child.

He says regional collaboratives will provide support to teachers.

The minister says this will help best practice be shared which will help close the attainment gap.

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The number of school inspections carried out across Scotland is to increase significantly from next year onwards.

Inspectors will visit 250 schools each year compared to 180 at present.

National agency Education Scotland said this was one of several measures it was taking to better support parents, teachers and head teachers.

More details about the increase in the number of inspections are to be announced later in the year.

Education Scotland said it hoped the move would make it easier to support teachers and head teachers and play a part in raising attainment

• Swinney defends education reforms
• Inspectors to assess school attainment
• 'Sweeping' new powers for head teachers

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland's education secretary has insisted that he will press on with reforms in the country's schools.

In a speech in Glasgow, John Swinney said the government plans to give schools and teachers more freedom.

He also said that empowering schools will be at the heart of the next phase of reform.

The government plans to give more powers to head teachers and parents but there are still few details about what this will mean in practice.

Some heads wonder whether they will simply be given official responsibility for things they already do in practice through local management structures or - despite government reassurances - fear extra bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, some in local government fear they will have less control over education and that the changes could actually lead to more centralised control - a claim the government denies.

Image source, PA

Education Secretary John Swinney delivers a statement on education reform.

Image source, bbc

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur says his party warmly welcomes the government's decision on fracking, "albeit by the scenic route".

Mr McArthur asks what plans the government has to build on the positive message sent out today.

The energy minister says the scenic route involved the people of Scotland and stakeholders.

Mr Wheelhouse says he agrees more needs to be done in renewables to ensure a sustainable energy supply in the future.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell welcomes the statement saying it shows the government has listened to communities.

Mr Ruskell asks when a permanent ban will be introduced saying this announcement only extends the moratorium which may be challenged by major companies.

Mr Wheelhouse says an immediate ban will be put in place and parliaments endorsement will be sought during a debate and vote following recess.

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Labour MSP Claudia Beamish says Labour has long argued Scotland does not need another fossil fuel.

Ms Beamish says her proposal to change the law to ban fracking and community pressure has led to the government's indefinite moratorium.

She calls for a full legal ban.

Mr Wheelhouse recognises Ms Beamish has a longstanding interest in this issue, but he says the government has put in place an effective ban which will be put in place much more expeditiously.

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says "after years of indecision" the government have taken a position and the Scottish economy is left behind.

Mr Lockhart asks what impact assessment the government has carried out on how this will affect the economy and how many jobs will be lost.

The Tory MSP says if this decision has not been made based on the economy then the government is simply playing politics.

Mr Wheelhouse says the UK government is steaming ahead with little regard for the local communities affected.

He says the Scottish government, in contrast, has taken its time.

"The Scottish government is listening to the people of Scotland," Mr Wheelhouse says.

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Labour MSP Neil Findlay says such an important decision was made by the cabinet and asks why the cabinet secretary has not given the statement.

He asks if this because he does not believe a single word in the document.

Mr Findlay is referring to the Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

The presiding officer moves us on.