Literacy and numeracy rates in Scotland have plummeted during the coronavirus lockdown.
According to the latest official statistics the number of primary one, fours and sevens hit the target for writing, maths and reading and was improving before the global pandemic hit.
Data from 2020/21 revealed that literacy rates fell to 66.9 per cent from 72.3 per cent in 2018/19 when the last figures were recorded in 2018/19.
Numeracy levels dropped from 79.1 per cent two years ago to 74.7 per cent last year.
SNP Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the lockdown in Scotland had a "significant impact" on children's learning.
She added: "The ACEL statistics reflect, in stark terms, the significant impact the pandemic has had on our children and young people.
“Before the pandemic, the year-on-year trend in the ACEL data was positive. Unfortunately, the disruption caused by COVID-19 presented serious challenges for learners not just in Scotland but internationally.
"Improving educational outcomes is at the heart of our education recovery work, which is continuing at pace.
"This includes recruiting 3,500 additional teachers and 500 support staff over this Parliamentary term.
"We also continue to press on with our mission to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap, backed by a record £1 billion investment.
"Later today, in a statement to Parliament, I will highlight our new and ongoing work to support numeracy and literacy in our schools.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we have committed half a billion pounds to support education, and other data published today reflects some of the progress that has been made.
"The 2021 Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland show that there are now over 2,000 more teachers than before the start of the pandemic.
“The additional staff have, so far, brought the ratio of pupils to teachers to 13.2 - its lowest since 2009, directly supporting children by increasing the amount of teacher attention available to each child."
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