Questions and answers

Question reference: S6W-05202

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 20 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Clare Haughey on 17 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review child protection and safeguarding measures in schools.

On 2 September 2021 the Scottish Government published the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland. This non-statutory guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations of everyone who works with, or comes into contact with children and young people, families and carers in Scotland. The key role of the education workforce in protecting children is affirmed and strengthened by the inclusion of education staff in all references to multi-agency arrangements.

Following publication, local authority schools, Grant Aided Special Schools and independent schools will review and update their procedures in line with the national guidance.

A National Child Protection Guidance Implementation Group has been established to support implementation over the next 18-24 months. Education Scotland and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland are both represented on the group, which will also engage with the Scottish Council of Independent Schools to support all schools with implementation of the guidance over the coming months.

Question reference: S6W-05203

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 20 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 17 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the General Teaching Council for Scotland regarding child protection and safeguarding.

The Scottish Government has regular discussions with the General Teaching Council for Scotland on a wide range of topics, including child protection and safeguarding. I also refer the member to the answer given to S6W-05202 on 17 January 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

Question reference: S6W-05616

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 10 January 2022
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 14 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-04648 by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 3 December 2021, whether milk will be provided free of charge to pupils under the new scheme, or whether it will be subsidised by the Scottish Government.

Question reference: S6W-05617

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 10 January 2022
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 14 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-04648 by Shirly-Anne Somerville on 3 December 2021, which age groups of school pupils will be eligible to receive milk under the new scheme.

Question reference: S6W-05213

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 20 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 13 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reported challenges in sourcing some alarm products, whether it expects all homes to have interlinked fire alarms by February 2022.

We are aware that some manufacturers may be affected by difficulties with imported components. Other manufactures have stock availability and specialist retailers are also able to meet demand, subject to logistical challenges. However, I would emphasise that when the legislation comes into force, it says that work should be done within a reasonable period, which takes into account individual circumstances. No home owner will be penalised if they are unable to do the work by 1 February 2022.

Question reference: S6W-05214

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 20 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 13 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to helping communities which oppose wind farm developments to (a) access and (b) fund legal representation during the planning process.

The Scottish Government provides the policy and legislative framework for community engagement in the Scottish planning system. Whilst not providing an advocacy service for communities, the Scottish Government provides financial assistance to PAS (Planning Aid for Scotland), an independent charity, to provide a free advice service on planning and environmental matters for communities and the public at large, through its professional planner volunteers.

Question reference: S6F-00639

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 10 January 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 13 January 2022

To ask the First Minister what deadline the Scottish Government has set for making any further changes to this year's SQA examinations process.

Question reference: S6W-05212

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 20 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how frequently NHS patients should have an dental check-up.

Question reference: S6W-05204

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 21 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 7 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that there have been around 200 cases referred to the General Teaching Council for Scotland in the last three years that were concluded as "closed after initial consideration", whether it is confident that there are no safeguarding or child protection matters included as part of those cases.

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), as the Independent Professional and Regulatory Body for teachers in Scotland, has a published Fitness to Teach Threshold Policy which sets out what GTCS will investigate under its fitness to teach procedures. It is available on the GTCS website and members of the public are encouraged to read it prior to submitting a referral to GTCS regarding a registered teacher.

The Scottish Government is aware of these issues and continues to have regular dialogue with GTCS on these matters.

Question reference: S6W-05201

Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 21 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 7 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that people who have referred concerns to the General Teaching Council for Scotland about professional standards have received a response indicating that, unless the referral has been subject to an employer investigation, it is considered "frivolous".

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), as the Independent Professional and Regulatory Body for teachers in Scotland, has a published Fitness to Teach Threshold Policy which sets out what GTCS will investigate under its fitness to teach procedures. It is available on the GTCS website and members of the public are encouraged to read it prior to submitting a referral to GTCS regarding a registered teacher.

The Scottish Government is aware of these issues and continues to have regular dialogue with GTCS on these matters.

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