COUNCILS have launched a robust defence of their role in running schools as the SNP considers plans for regional education boards.

The ruling party, under fire for its failure to narrow the attainment gap between rich and poor, mooted proposals for "school clusters" and "educational regions" in its manifesto for last month's general election.

Nationalists also want to transfer extra powers directly to headteachers and has pledged to "extend to individual schools responsibilities that currently sit solely with local authorities".

This has put it on a collision course with local government lobby and those opposition figures who have previously accused the SNP in Holyrood of having a centralising agenda on other issues, such as policing.

Now council leaders have urged the government to proceed with caution as they prepare for a Scotland-wide education summit with Cabinet Secretary John Swinney on Wednesday.

Stephanie Primrose, an SNP councillor from East Ayrshire who speaks for the national councils body Cosla, said: "I would appeal to Mr Swinney to proceed with caution.

"The aim of central government, local government and all those with an interest in young people is the same, we all have similar aspirations, we all want them to succeed.

"here is plenty to be celebrated within the Scottish education system and to proceed in a hasty manner could do irreparable damage for future generations."

She added: "Councils are uniquely placed to support every need of the child due, in no small part, to the expertise and professionalism of all their employees who make a difference to families every single day.”

"Ultimately this debate should focus on the needs of families and the local government family, kept together, can deliver for all those needs."

The chairwoman of the group of four Labour-led councils which broke away from Cosla echoed Ms Primrose's views. Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing, who heads the Scottish Local government Partnership, said: “There is a wealth of experience and expertise, both in our schools and other local services that support our communities, which makes a real difference to lives and the futures of young people and their families, every day."

"Losing that will would be a backwards step. Learning should be at the heart of our communities, not isolated from them."