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Do you think that negativity makes good press for the media, but not for the education sector? If something that happens that is not the best is reported, that seems to be the only reason for a story. The media never report anything about schools or staff being praised.

I understand that. Can I ask a wee follow-up question?

There is a bit of, “Do as I say; don’t do as I do.” Thank you all very much.

The committee has heard that some teachers—maybe more than just a few—see the inspection process as onerous, largely about accountability and not particularly helpful in all cases. That appears to contradict what Education Scotland says about the inspection process. What is the difference between the perception of inspections and the actual experiences of inspectors of visiting schools?

I am sorry about that.

Thank you. I can see that Gavin wants to say something.

Garvin, do you want to say something?

Of course. Do teachers believe that they benefit from inspections, rather than just being a target of them?

Thank you for your answers so far, minister. This question is wordy and complex, so I will read most of it. Moving on to the Scottish Government’s historic commitments in relation to Scottish statutory instruments, you will be aware that, on a number of occasions, the committee has requested an update on the amendment to the Scotland Act 1998 (Specification of Functions and Transfer of Property etc) Order 2019. At the previous session, the then minister said:

“The work is really complicated and quite difficult for the officials to get sorted. We are in the process of fixing it and getting it sorted”—[Official Report, Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee, 19 March 2024; c 6.]

Can you give us an update on the progress on the commitment to resolve those issues?

So, work towards that commitment is being continued. I hope that we can look forward to seeing that next year.