CLAIMS by the Scottish Government that the controversial new school curriculum has been delivered successfully in primary schools have been undermined by a survey.
An online poll of some 4000 primary teachers found more than half lacked confidence in new forms of pupil assessment associated with the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE).
More than half of P7 teachers raised doubts over support for pupils about to enter secondary school, while a similar proportion felt the amount of forward planning in schools was "excessive".
A growing workload was the most common concern with more than 80% of respondents describing the increase under CfE as either "high" or "very high".
Carried out by teaching union the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the survey is the latest to cast doubt over the way CfE is being delivered. The curriculum was introduced to make learning more relevant and better suited to the interests of pupils.
Previous concerns have centred on secondary schools where there have been significant changes to what is taught alongside the introduction of new exams to replace Standard Grades next year.However, the Scottish Government has always pointed to the primary school sector as an example of successful implementation.
Susan Quinn, EIS president, said the survey highlighted a number of key concerns which had still not been addressed. "The findings of this major survey highlight the growing workload burden that is being placed on both nursery and primary teachers during the continuing implementation of CfE," she said.
"There is a widely-held belief that CfE is further along in nurseries and primaries compared to the secondary and further education sectors. While there may be an element of truth in this, it is certainly not the case that implementing CfE is a simple matter for teachers in these sectors."
Ms Quinn said some councils appeared to be increasing bureaucracy – with a new pupil tracking system also to blame.
"This is not what CfE is supposed to be about, and the heavy levels of recording and reporting being demanded in some local authorities are having an impact on the time available for teaching," she added.
A Scottish Government spokesman said the key aim of CfE was to allow teachers the flexibility to plan and deliver high-quality learning and teaching.
"Guidance on an assessment of a learners' progress clearly states that this should not be overly complex or time-consuming, or impact on time for learning and teaching itself," he said.
"Since 2010, the Scottish Government has made available over £10.4 million funding to local authorities to support teachers in sharing, understanding and applying standards.
"A further £3.762m has been provided this year with a further tranche next year."
The spokesman said the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, which involves representatives from unions, councils and the Government, is currently considering teacher workload issues.
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