Latest news with #SQA
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
West Lothian school cyber attack 'obviously worrying' says councillor
Parents and carers have been sent letters advising them to take extra precautions and a live investigation remains ongoing. A senior SNP councillor has acknowledged that people ' will obviously be worried' by the latest revelations about the data theft from West Lothian's schools. But as the council confirmed personal and sensitive information is among the data stolen the depute group leader of the council's opposition group moved to reassure parents. Parents and carers have been sent letters advising them to take extra precautions and a live investigation remains ongoing. The council stressed that no financial details or confidential pupil records had been taken by the hackers. Councillor Pauline Stafford told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'People will obviously feel worried that ongoing investigations have confirmed that a small percentage of the overall data stored on the council's education network has been stolen. 'The council and partners are working at pace to confirm the exact data which has been taken but is reassuring parents that the majority of systems used by schools to interact with parents and carers are unaffected and risk assessments have been carried out with appropriate action taken.' The council said: 'It has now been confirmed that a small percentage of the overall data stored on the education network has been stolen. We are aware that some personal or sensitive data is among the information stolen by criminals. 'We would like to offer our sincere apologies to anyone potentially affected by this criminal cyberattack.' Councillor Stafford told the LDRS: 'I would like to thank all council staff dealing with this attack. 'A special thanks must go to our education staff who have worked incredibly hard to ensure the impact on our children and young people, especially those sitting exams, has been minimal. 'As per the advice from both the council and Police Scotland people should be extra vigilant against possible phishing attacks and scams and seek advice if they are concerned.' Parents have been asked not to contact their school or our customer contact centre regarding the cyberattack, as they do not have any more details than this at this stage. The council spokesperson added: 'We are aware that some personal or sensitive data is among the information stolen by criminals. 'Risk assessment has been carried out on any potential child protection issues at each of the schools affected, and appropriate action already taken if required. We would like to offer our sincere apologies to anyone potentially affected by this criminal cyberattack.' The education network remains removed from the rest of the council's networks, and there has been a significant amount of work undertaken by staff to ensure that disruption to education, including SQA exams, has been minimal. Contingency arrangements for schools will continue until the end of the current school term. The education network remains removed from the rest of the council's networks, and there has been a significant amount of work undertaken by staff to ensure that disruption to education, including SQA exams, has been minimal. There is no evidence that the council's corporate and public access networks have been affected. All information held elsewhere in the council remains safe and secure, with extra measures in place to protect our networks.
The Herald Scotland
24-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
SQA invigilator wins tribunal over unpaid holiday
The ruling could prove costly. According to the SQA's website, around 5,000 invigilators are employed for each exam diet, in addition to 8,000 markers and approximately 1,500 principal assessors and verifiers. In a statement, the SQA said it was considering the implications of the decision. READ MORE: During the hearing, the SQA argued that Ms Shanks, who retired from Police Scotland after 30 years of service in 2021, was neither a worker nor an employee and likened her status to that of a self-employed contractor. They also claimed that as many invigilators were retired they were "not in need of the usual statutory protections." This was rejected by the judge, who noted that invigilators 'come from all stages of life and include for example students and others with several other jobs'. Ms Shanks worked as both an invigilator and later a chief invigilator at Cumbernauld Academy. She brought the case to claim holiday pay for her work in 2023 and 2024, as well as unpaid hours linked to an administrative fee in 2024. Employment Judge Robison, in her written decision, outlined three conditions for meeting the statutory definition of a worker: 'There must be a contract to perform work or services; there must be a requirement for the individual to undertake that work or services personally; and the other party to the contract must not be a client or customer of the claimant.' The tribunal found that there was a contract between Ms Shanks and the SQA for short-term, fixed-task roles. A key point in the ruling was whether Ms Shanks had to carry out the work personally. While the SQA claimed invigilators could swap shifts or appoint substitutes — implying a lack of personal service — Ms Shanks successfully argued that any such right was limited. Substitutes were only allowed in cases of illness or emergency, had to be drawn from the same SQA-vetted centre pool, and were required to have completed SQA training. This level of restriction, the judge concluded, supported the requirement for personal service. Other key factors highlighted by the Judge included the high level of control exercised by the SQA, such as the use of detailed handbooks and policies. They also pointed out that Ms Shanks did not issue invoices, which would typically be expected if the SQA were a client. The SQA also admitted it was not a client or customer of Ms Shanks' business. The judge noted that awarding bodies, including the SQA, were required to auto-enrol eligible invigilators into pension schemes following guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions. Taking all this into account — and recognising that the threshold for establishing worker status is lower than for employee status — the tribunal concluded that Ms Shanks was a worker in both of her SQA roles. The SQA was ordered to pay her £348.18. This included holiday pay based on hourly invigilation work and pay relating to her pre-examination duties as a chief invigilator. READ MORE Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for education and skills Miles Briggs said: 'This is just the latest example of the SQA's failure to get its house in order. Yet ministers have been trying to push through a set of cosmetic changes before they have been agreed or even properly examined. 'That would have included the power to hire staff before the structure of the SQA's replacement was even set out, when this case shows they are not even clear on who they currently employ. 'Scotland's qualifications system needs total reorganisation after a string of scandals, but so far Jenny Gilruth has only offered the most vague plans. The staff and students in Scotland's schools are being badly let down by the current shambolic set-up.' Scottish Labour Education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy said 'This is an embarrassing slap-down for the SQA. 'The SQA has shown time and time again that it is out of touch with the views of staff and the reality of our education system. 'The SNP has failed to deliver the genuine reform our education system needs, but Scottish Labour will continue to work to make sure the upcoming Education Bill replaces the SQA with a body that is fit for purpose.' The EIS said: 'While the EIS does not represent SQA invigilators, there should be a clear expectation that the SQA, as a public body, should comply with all relevant statute when entering into contracts with those acting as invigilators. "Having signed up to the Scottish Government's Fair Work framework, it is also incumbent on the SQA to adhere to the principles of Fair Work in both policy and practice.' – EIS spokesperson An SQA spokesperson said: 'We have received the tribunal ruling relating to the employment status of Invigilators and Chief Invigilators and are considering its implications and next steps.'
Edinburgh Reporter
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Extra care on online security urged after data theft from West Lothian schools
A senior SNP councillor has acknowledged that people 'will obviously be worried' by the latest revelations about the data theft from West Lothian's schools. But as the council confirmed personal and sensitive information is among the data stolen the depute group leader of the council's opposition group moved to reassure parents. Parents and carers have been sent letters advising them to take extra precautions and a live investigation remains ongoing. The council stressed that no financial details or confidential pupil records had been taken by the hackers. Councillor Pauline Stafford told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'People will obviously feel worried that ongoing investigations have confirmed that a small percentage of the overall data stored on the council's education network has been stolen. 'The council and partners are working at pace to confirm the exact data which has been taken but is reassuring parents that the majority of systems used by schools to interact with parents and carers are unaffected and risk assessments have been carried out with appropriate action taken.' The council said: 'It has now been confirmed that a small percentage of the overall data stored on the education network has been stolen. We are aware that some personal or sensitive data is among the information stolen by criminals. 'We would like to offer our sincere apologies to anyone potentially affected by this criminal cyberattack.' Councillor Stafford told the LDRS: 'I would like to thank all council staff dealing with this attack. 'A special thanks must go to our education staff who have worked incredibly hard to ensure the impact on our children and young people, especially those sitting exams, has been minimal. 'As per the advice from both the council and Police Scotland people should be extra vigilant against possible phishing attacks and scams and seek advice if they are concerned.' Parents have been asked not to contact their school or our customer contact centre regarding the cyberattack, as they do not have any more details than this at this stage. The council spokesperson added: 'We are aware that some personal or sensitive data is among the information stolen by criminals. 'Risk assessment has been carried out on any potential child protection issues at each of the schools affected, and appropriate action already taken if required. We would like to offer our sincere apologies to anyone potentially affected by this criminal cyberattack.' The education network remains removed from the rest of the council's networks, and there has been a significant amount of work undertaken by staff to ensure that disruption to education, including SQA exams, has been minimal. Contingency arrangements for schools will continue until the end of the current school term. The education network remains removed from the rest of the council's networks, and there has been a significant amount of work undertaken by staff to ensure that disruption to education, including SQA exams, has been minimal. There is no evidence that the council's corporate and public access networks have been affected. All information held elsewhere in the council remains safe and secure, with extra measures in place to protect our networks. There is no evidence that any of the data held by the council or partners listed is affected by this breach. This includes:- Confidential pupil records, which are securely stored on the SEEMIS system; Pupil information held on the GLOW network; Financial data and bank details for payments made to schools through the iPayimpact system; Social work records, which are part of the MOSAIC system; Corporate data, such as council tax information, customer service enquiries, housing information or any other data held by council services out with education. The BBC reported that a group called Interlock has claimed it is behind the attack. Such groups operate by using malicious software to encrypt an organisation's files, then demand a payment with a threat to publish the material online if no ransom is paid. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
23-05-2025
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian school cyber attack 'obviously worrying' as investigation underway
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A senior SNP councillor has acknowledged that people 'will obviously be worried' by the latest revelations about the data theft from West Lothian's schools. But as the council confirmed personal and sensitive information is among the data stolen the depute group leader of the council's opposition group moved to reassure parents. Parents and carers have been sent letters advising them to take extra precautions and a live investigation remains ongoing. The council stressed that no financial details or confidential pupil records had been taken by the hackers. Councillor Pauline Stafford told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'People will obviously feel worried that ongoing investigations have confirmed that a small percentage of the overall data stored on the council's education network has been stolen. 'The council and partners are working at pace to confirm the exact data which has been taken but is reassuring parents that the majority of systems used by schools to interact with parents and carers are unaffected and risk assessments have been carried out with appropriate action taken.' The council said: 'It has now been confirmed that a small percentage of the overall data stored on the education network has been stolen. We are aware that some personal or sensitive data is among the information stolen by criminals. 'We would like to offer our sincere apologies to anyone potentially affected by this criminal cyberattack.' Councillor Stafford told the LDRS: 'I would like to thank all council staff dealing with this attack. "A special thanks must go to our education staff who have worked incredibly hard to ensure the impact on our children and young people, especially those sitting exams, has been minimal. 'As per the advice from both the council and Police Scotland people should be extra vigilant against possible phishing attacks and scams and seek advice if they are concerned.' Parents have been asked not to contact their school or our customer contact centre regarding the cyberattack, as they do not have any more details than this at this stage. The council spokesperson added: 'We are aware that some personal or sensitive data is among the information stolen by criminals. 'Risk assessment has been carried out on any potential child protection issues at each of the schools affected, and appropriate action already taken if required. We would like to offer our sincere apologies to anyone potentially affected by this criminal cyberattack.' The education network remains removed from the rest of the council's networks, and there has been a significant amount of work undertaken by staff to ensure that disruption to education, including SQA exams, has been minimal. Contingency arrangements for schools will continue until the end of the current school term. The education network remains removed from the rest of the council's networks, and there has been a significant amount of work undertaken by staff to ensure that disruption to education, including SQA exams, has been minimal. There is no evidence that the council's corporate and public access networks have been affected. All information held elsewhere in the council remains safe and secure, with extra measures in place to protect our networks. There is no evidence that any of the data held by the council or partners listed is affected by this breach. This includes:- Confidential pupil records, which are securely stored on the SEEMIS system; Pupil information held on the GLOW network; Financial data and bank details for payments made to schools through the iPayimpact system; Social work records, which are part of the MOSAIC system; Corporate data, such as council tax information, customer service enquiries, housing information or any other data held by council services out with education. The BBC reported that a group called Interlock has claimed it is behind the attack. Such groups operate by using malicious software to encrypt an organisation's files, then demand a payment with a threat to publish the material online if no ransom is paid.
The Herald Scotland
22-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
SQA accused of 'slap in the face' to teachers
One teacher described the exam board's actions as 'a real slap in the face to those wanting to do the best for the young people in their class.' The country's biggest teaching union said that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) should have carried out 'proper consultation' with schools and urged them to 'think again' about the changes. The course updates were announced in the SQA's regular newsletter on 15 May and include the removal of an entire question paper from Higher Drama, the introduction of a prescribed text list for another, and alterations to exam questions and marking schemes at National 5 and Advanced Higher levels. According to one senior teacher who approached The Herald, this was the 'first notification' to schools that significant changes would be introduced and made mandatory for the 2025/26 academic year. Under a sub-heading of 'What you'll need to do differently', teachers were informed that they will have to select one of 15 prescribed texts for paper one of the exam. In addition, they were told: 'You'll also need to update your teaching notes and assessment materials to reflect the new marking instructions for both sections of the question paper.' The post confirmed that the updated course specifications and exemplar exam papers would be made available four days later on Monday 19 May. This material was published as planned on the SQA website. Most secondary schools in Scotland begin their new timetables in June once students have returned from exam leave, meaning that teachers have just a few weeks to reconstruct their courses to fit the new requirements. In cases where schools have not previously taught any of the new approved texts, class sets will have to be purchased and entirely new teaching materials developed. The EIS has told its members not to carry out unplanned additional work in order to accommodate 'last minute changes from the SQA". READ MORE: A spokesperson for the SQA insisted that the changes have been 'shaped by the thoughtful feedback shared by teachers, and the timing reflects what was important to them.' They also said that 'a range of resources' will be made available 'in the new session' in order to 'help bring clarity and confidence to the classroom". However, a senior teacher disputed these claims, telling The Herald that the SQA had carried out very limited engagement work and had not presented the proposed set text list to teacher to gather their opinions on the plays to be included. They added that the decision to impose the changes immediately creates an 'obvious workload issue' and financial challenges that the SQA should address. In addition to the logistical concerns being raised by teachers, the new set text list has also been described as disappointing and uninspired, with some arguing that it will make it more difficult for teachers to engage young people in the subject. The only women with work included as a set text are Shelagh Delaney (A Taste of Honey), Liz Lochhead (Dracula), Ena Lamont Stewart (Men Should Weep), Zinnie Harris (The Duchess (of Malfi)). An SQA spokesperson told The Herald that the selections on the new list are 'based on the most popular responses' in previous exams, and that the list will be 'reviewed regularly top ensure it remains relevant". The new list of set texts for Higher Drama (Image: James McEnaney) Speaking to The Herald on condition of anonymity, one current drama teacher said that the SQA has 'failed to recognise the huge implications of introducing a set text list and new marking scheme just a few weeks before the change of timetable." They continued: 'In a time where unions are voicing concerns for teachers health and wellbeing as well as workload it's a real slap in the face to those wanting to do the best for the young people in their class. 'I'm hugely concerned at the lack of diversity on the new list - it does not represent a contemporary Scotland. There are no BAME texts, very few females on the list. It's made up with a majority of white men.' Commenting on changes to marking approaches, the teacher added that these have 'now been dumbed down' and expressed a fear that drama will 'now be looked down on by universities' when setting entry requirements. Anne Keenan, Assistant General Secretary of the EIS, said: 'Clearly, where it is necessary to make changes to a course in any subject following what should be consultation with teachers through their representative bodies, it is essential that schools and teachers are provided with adequate information and time to prepare. The workload demands of changes to a course are substantial, and can add significantly to existing teacher workload if not managed correctly. In addition, changes to courses can bring with them resource requirements which place an even greater strain on already tight school budgets. 'In planning any changes to courses, the SQA must be fully cognisant to the impact on schools, teachers and students. It is also important that due consideration be given to the appropriateness of the required materials, including the equality impact of the selected texts. 'Proper consultation with teacher trade unions would have led to much stronger equality considerations at an early stage. The EIS continues to advise members that there can be no expectation that last-minute changes from the SQA will be accommodated over and above existing agreements in respect of teachers' working time. 'The SQA should think again.' The Herald approached the SQA to ask why course changes were being pushed through for the coming school year and whether the exam board would consider a delay in response to concerns raised. Their spokesperson said: 'Following feedback from stakeholders, and evidence gathered from past years' assessments whereby learners were not taking advantage of the full range of marks available to them in the Higher Drama exam, SQA took the decision to review the Higher Drama question paper and the accompanying marking instructions. 'This was done to consolidate the question paper and give learners the best opportunity to maximise their marks from the paper. Feedback received indicated that there was a desire among teachers to adopt the changes for the 2025-26 session. 'These changes were shaped by the thoughtful feedback shared by teachers, and the timing reflects what was important to them. 'To support teachers through this transition, a range of resources will be available in the new session. These will include an event, a webinar, and understanding standards material – such as exemplar answers and commentaries – to help bring clarity and confidence to the classroom. 'We're grateful to teachers for their input, which played a key role in shaping these developments.'
