Image source, Getty Images

The agreement between the government and Cosla sets out a number of principles, which will now be introduced voluntarily rather than through changing the law.

These principles include:

• Schools should be empowered to make the decisions that most affect outcomes for students
• The principle of empowering head teachers will be applied consistently across Scotland
• Councils will be able to intervene if head teachers breach statutory, financial or contractual obligations

Labour MSP Mary Fee queries discussions on dispute resolution between Cosla and the Scottish government, such as if they disagree on whether enough progress has been made later on.

Cosla's Jane O'Donnell explains talks have been ongoing since June and any concerns about progress would be raised at the earliest possible stage with the education secretary by councillors.

We will be making sure we are focusing on the whole child and that our education colleagues are fully supported in delivering the joint agreement, she states.

Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott says two headteachers in Shetland told him this is all still hanging over them and the threat of another law being imposed remains.

Mr McCabe agrees the headteachers still have those concerns.

Larry Flanagan of EIS warns against another layer of management and bureaucracy.

Image source, bbc

Mr Flanagan cites the advice from the International Council of Economic Advisers, which he says was quite strongly stating "do not legislate where you do not have to".

He argues the idea that the culture of Scotland's education system can be changed in a year is "fanciful", it will take a decade.

"The idea that there is a big stick waiting there is not conducive to collaborative practice."

The general secretary of EIS adds he does not think the Education Bill will come back to the parliament.

Read the submissions from the witnesses here., external

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Education Secretary John Swinney has shelved his promised Education Bill, instead striking a deal with local authorities.

The agreement is to focus on "school empowerment, collaboration, parental involvement and engagement and pupil participation".

Mr Swinney suggests an education bill would take 18 months to enshrine in law, but that length of time was being questioned by the education sector which voiced a desire for a "head teachers' charter" to be delivered "faster, with less disruption, in partnership with local authorities".

Read more about why, how and what next for education reform.

Image source, PA

Education Scotland's Janie McManus tells the committee the focus on collaboration to deliver change is key.

Cllr McCabe says Cosla officers are continuing to engage on developing a framework and he says local government is committed to the improvement agenda.

Collaboration is better made in partnership rather than being imposed, hence the preference for a non-legislative route, he adds.

Structural change is just a distraction, the Cosla spokesperson suggests.

Image source, bbc

Larry Flanagan of EIS also welcomes the fact the legislation has, at the very least, been parked.

Mr Flanagan says cultural change is required not structural change and he welcomes the move to collaboration.

Cllr McCabe says Cosla is "pleased" the Scottish government has decided not to bring forward legislation.

"We are concerned that legislation remains on the table," he adds, suggesting improvements and changes can be taken forward without.

The Scottish government shelved its flagship Education Bill in June after claiming key reforms can be introduced more quickly without changing the law.

Nicola Sturgeon previously said the bill would be the most radical change to how schools are run since devolution.

But it faced opposition from teaching unions and some opposition parties.

Some of the proposals will now be introduced through an agreement with councils instead.

The deal with local authority body Cosla includes proposals to give head teachers more say over the curriculum, budgets and staff recruitment at their schools.

But plans to disband the General Teaching Council for Scotland governing body and set up a new Education Workforce Council in its place have been ditched.

Read more.

Image source, bbc

The first panel includes:

• Councillor Stephen McCabe from Cosla, external
• Jane O'Donnell from Cosla
• Larry Flanagan of EIS, external
• Janie McManus from Education Scotland, external

Image source, Getty Images

The Education and Skills Committee, external will kick off shortly with a session on education reform.

The Scottish government's plans for an Education Bill were shelved just before summer recess, as it was argued key reforms could be brought in faster without the need for legislation.

Today's first panel comprises Cosla, the teacher union EIS and Education Scotland.

Education Secretary John Swinney and his officials will take part in the second session.

Read the paper's here. , external

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 5 September 2018.

Image source, PA

Today we will bring you coverage of the education committee as it considers planned reforms.

Education Secretary John Swinney faces tough guestioning having shelved the Education Bill in June.

There may be some questions on P1 testing, but more of that later.

After lunch, portfolio questions focus on the economy, jobs and fair work, followed by finance and constitution questions.

Mr Swinney is back, this time to give statement on standardised testing, following the changes to P1 testing intoduced in ths summer, following a barrage of criticism from opposition party leaders.

Then it’s back to the programme for government debate until 5pm.

The member’s debate sees Keith Brown lead his first member’s debate since returning to the backbenches and he’s celebrating the University of Stirling’s sporting excellence.

Image source, University of Stirling