Named Persons (Training, Qualifications, Experience and Position) (Scotland) Order 2016 (SSI 2016/16)
Child’s Plan (Scotland) Order 2016 (SSI 2016/17)
Our next item is consideration of two pieces of subordinate legislation. Do members have any comments on the instruments?
This is not really a comment on the instruments. I have spoken to a couple of local authorities that raised concerns about the named person not applying to home-educated children. The issue is mentioned in paragraph 7 of the policy note on Scottish statutory instrument 2016/16, in the second bullet point. I notified both local authorities that had raised the issue with me of that, and they are pleased to hear that the provision has been included. However, I wonder whether there is any further information on implementation of the named persons order, because many local authorities have concerns about home-educated children. I just seek a bit of clarity. Local authorities were not aware that the provision was coming. If it is possible to get information on how the measure will be implemented, I would be pleased to take it back to the local authorities that I spoke to.
In connection with Mary Scanlon’s point about home-educated children, I have been speaking to the minister about that because of a constituency case: statutory guidance will come out later to deal with the gaps.
I am grateful to Colin Beattie for answering my question on behalf of the minister. That is helpful.
I was not answering on behalf of the minister; I was just explaining that I have been speaking to the minister.
You are closer to the source than I am. I am pleased to hear that. It would be helpful if we had an indication of when the guidance will be produced and whether it will go through the committee or whatever.
There is one more piece of subordinate legislation still to come on the issue and it will come to the committee. I do not have a date for that yet, but obviously it will be quite soon, given that we have only a few weeks left. When that instrument comes, if you wish further clarification, I will be more than happy for you to contact me or the clerks immediately, and in advance of the committee meeting, we will try to get an answer for you from the Government before the day of parliamentary consideration.
Is that likely to happen before dissolution?
Yes. I am told that it will be 1 March.
That is helpful. Thank you.
Does the committee agree to make no recommendation to Parliament on the instruments?
Members indicated agreement.
I thank everyone for their indulgence. It has been a long meeting.
Meeting closed at 13:22.