Seòmar agus comataidhean

This is a fairly dramatic question. What action would you like the Scottish Government to take now to offer support for social work staff and trainees? What is your main call for something that you would like to happen as soon as possible?

Thank you very much for that.

Basically, you are saying that you want more co-operation between all the bodies that work in this area. Is that correct?

Fiona Duncan mentioned preventative spend. The committee has heard evidence on the impact of preventative spend in Glasgow. Are there other examples of moving from crisis spend to preventative spend? How effective is that, particularly for the workforce?

Does that mean that there is preventative spend but simply not enough of it and that we need to think about how we can increase prevention?

Two weeks ago, Andrew Bradshaw, from City of Edinburgh Council and SAPOE, was one of our witnesses, and we covered areas around legislating in the curriculum. [Interruption.]

Sorry for coughing; I will have a wee drink of water—I do not usually get this excited asking questions, but there you go.

Mr Bradshaw said:

“I want to stress the importance of flexibility and autonomy for local authorities and schools. The City of Edinburgh Council and SAPOE believe that that approach will allow different local authorities, and schools within local authorities, to consider context and needs.”—[Official Report, Education, Children and Young People Committee, 13 November 2024; c 4.]

On that basis, how might the Government amend the bill, should it come forward, to ensure that schools and local authorities have autonomy over the content of their curriculums but, at the same time, encourage higher levels of access to residential outdoor facilities, and make that access more equitable?

That is great. Thank you very much.

We took evidence, which you alluded to, that showed that those who run facilities such as residential centres sometimes have problems in ensuring a regular and consistent flow of clients from the local authorities. There is that element to it, but there is also the insistence from local authorities and schools that they must ensure that the quality of education for the children is maintained at all times. Will you be dealing with local authorities to ensure that that is maintained?

Welcome to the 33rd meeting in 2024 of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee. We have received apologies from the convener, Stuart McMillan MSP, and from Jeremy Balfour MSP. I welcome Rona Mackay MSP in Stuart McMillan’s place. I remind everyone to switch off, or put to silent, mobile phones and other electronic devices.

The first item of business is to decide whether to take items 5, 6, 7 and 8 in private. Is the committee content to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Is the committee content with the instrument?

Members indicated agreement.