SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Education and Lifelong Learning
Parenting Skills
To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of the early years framework, what it is doing to address parenting skills. (S3O-5817)
The Scottish Government has recognised the central importance of parenting and family capacity in delivering improved outcomes for children and families by making it one of the key elements for transformational change in the early years framework. The framework has been developed in partnership with local government and ensures that the right help is available to children and families at the right time.
Will the minister give more detail on the practical steps that the Government is taking to prepare people for the responsibilities of parenthood—particularly in situations where parenting skills seem increasingly to be lacking?
One of our major initiatives works through the curriculum for excellence. We are trying to provide our schoolchildren not only with skills for work or learning but with skills for life. The development of the health and wellbeing strands within the curriculum for excellence is addressing many of the issues that we have to get across to youngsters who are approaching adulthood.
Is the minister aware of the excellent work that is being carried out at St Serf's primary and nursery school in my constituency and in other nurture classes in North Lanarkshire? The classes provide individual and intensive support to children from difficult backgrounds. Does the minister agree that providing support to the parents of those children through home-school link workers is equally important? Can he tell us how the Government will ensure that such initiatives are rolled out across Scotland?
Yes, I can. I am a firm advocate of the nurture-group approach. Ken Macintosh will remember that I was very keen to push the idea in the previous session of Parliament. To his credit, Peter Peacock took it up and ran with it.
Education (Funding)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the local authority settlement for 2008 and 2009 provides sufficient resources for education. (S3O-5776)
Yes. The total package of local government funding from 2008 to 2010 is £23 billion. The level of support in 2009-10 represents an increase of 9.9 per cent on the 2007-08 figures and includes capital funding for local government for this year and next of £2 billion, a significant increase over previous years. Obviously, both packages are subject to parliamentary approval.
I invite the cabinet secretary to comment on the reasons behind a fall of 119 in the number of teacher posts in Renfrewshire. The figures show that there were 42 fewer teachers in Renfrewshire primary schools and 77 fewer teachers in Renfrewshire secondary schools in 2008 than in the previous year. Is such a cut either necessary or desirable?
The employment of teachers is, of course, a matter for Renfrewshire Council, but any consideration of the situation must include the outcomes for children. I am pleased to see that, in Renfrewshire Council, the average class size for mathematics and English in secondary 1 and 2 is 20.1 and that only three of the 395 classes go beyond that figure. I am also delighted to hear that Renfrewshire Council will invest £53 million in its school estate. Indeed, one of the schools in line for some of that investment is Wendy Alexander's old school, Park Mains high school.
The cabinet secretary might be aware that our friends in the Liberal Democrats are claiming to have secured extra money for school buildings as part of this week's budget settlement. How much extra money have they secured, when will it be available, and how many new schools will be built?
I am delighted that we are progressing the school building programme. As the First Minister made clear earlier, 150 new schools have been built since May 2007, and a record level of investment in schools—£2 billion—is being made now and over the next few years. I am also delighted to say that the Scottish Futures Trust will support its first school project over the course of the year and that the accompanying funding and revenue stream will be available in the year of that spend.
Ms Alexander sheds crocodile tears about the level of resources available to Renfrewshire Council to spend on education. In her now infamous hungry caterpillar speech, she deplored Scottish National Party targets on efficiency savings, claiming that the public sector—
Can we have a question, please, Mr Gibson? You are asking a supplementary question.
—was fatter and should therefore slim down faster than the United Kingdom with its 3 per cent year-on-year cuts. What impact would such year-on-year cuts have on local government and education in our schools?
A 3 per cent efficiency saving in education budgets would have had a serious impact, and the fact that local authorities can not only retain efficiency savings but reinvest them in services such as education is to be welcomed. I am pleased that Marilyne MacLaren, the education convener of the City of Edinburgh Council, has said:
I was surprised to hear the cabinet secretary tell Wendy Alexander that she thinks that the capital funding is sufficient, only then to confirm to Murdo Fraser that the new funding stream for new schools from the Scottish Futures Trust will come on-stream at the end of the year. Given that Aberdeenshire Council is paying for all its primary school rebuilding and the rebuilding of one academy and needs access to £200 million to build five new academies from scratch, will it be at the head of the queue to access money from the new funding stream?
I am sure that the member will not be backward in coming forward and ensuring that Aberdeenshire Council's case for being at the front of the queue is made. I look forward to the results of the school estate strategy, which is being conducted with our local government partners; I look forward to the Scottish Futures Trust rolling out its programme; and, finally, I look forward to the accompanying revenue stream, which will enable us to continue to build on the brick-for-brick promise that we made and are keeping and to ensure that 250 schools are built in the lifetime of this Parliament.
Further Education Colleges (Staff Salaries)
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a national salary structure for lecturing staff in further education colleges. (S3O-5784)
Ministers no longer have a power of direction over individual colleges. Colleges are independent employers and the salaries that they pay are not a matter for ministers. However, I announced on 11 November at the college and university round-table meeting that I would encourage employers and unions to consider jointly the pros and cons of national collective bargaining for the sector as a whole. All parties are aware that the matter is ultimately for colleges as employers, and an immediate resolution is not expected, but my initiative has been welcomed by college staff unions and the convener of the principals forum of the Association of Scotland's Colleges as an opportunity for informed dialogue.
I welcome the cabinet secretary's intention to establish talks. Does she agree that it is wrong that our lecturers' salaries and conditions are subject to a postcode lottery? Will she undertake to work with staff and unions to explore a proper national salary structure and a collective national bargaining system for lecturers in Scotland's colleges? She appears to support such a system. What timescale has been set to undertake such discussions and explore all the options?
If Cathie Craigie reflects on my answer to her first question, she will see that I not only support but have initiated such dialogue. It is clear that the benefits and disbenefits must be resolved and discussed. One clear issue is the time and effort that all colleges spend on negotiating and reaching individual settlements, but flexibility has advantages. In Aberdeen, for example, general salary levels are quite high in comparison with the rest of the country so Aberdeen College needs flexibility to recruit the staff that it needs.
Primary Schools (Class Sizes)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on its commitment to work with local authorities to promote lower class sizes in primary schools. (S3O-5827)
Under the concordat, local government has agreed to make year-on-year progress to reduce primary 1 to 3 class sizes to a maximum of 18. Sufficient funding has been provided to local government to maintain teacher numbers at 2007 levels which, at a time of falling school rolls, provides headroom to make progress on the joint commitment. Some authorities are making better progress than others.
I draw the cabinet secretary's attention to Glasgow City Council's proposal to close 25 primary and nursery schools in the city and, in particular, its proposal for St Agnes's primary school in Cadder. The school has seven classes, none of which is a composite, and an average class size of 21. The council proposes to merge St Agnes's with, and move its pupils to, St Blane's primary school in Summerston, where the new school will have an average class size of 25. What representations does the cabinet secretary make to local authorities—and Glasgow City Council in particular—to ensure that they are on board with and do not fly in the face of the Government policy to lower class sizes in P1 to P3?
I understand the member's question, but I hope that he appreciates that I cannot comment on individual schools or on Glasgow City Council's programme, which is the council's responsibility.
The cabinet secretary welcomed this week's statement by Councillor Marilyne MacLaren that there would be no further cuts to devolved school budgets in Edinburgh, but does she realise that there will still be significant reductions in education expenditure, including fewer teachers next year? How can we have smaller class sizes and fewer teachers?
Malcolm Chisholm should pay close attention to the budget-setting discussions that will take place in the City of Edinburgh Council. It would be extremely surprising if there were reductions in the education budgets, and he should think carefully before making such accusations.
Skills Development Scotland
To ask the Scottish Executive how Skills Development Scotland is performing in relation to its key performance indicators for 2008-09. (S3O-5760)
Skills Development Scotland reports monthly on performance against the key performance indicators—KPIs—that are included in its 2008-09 operating plan. At the end of January 2009, SDS reported good progress against all KPIs.
What support are workers who have recently been made redundant being offered, especially through the European social fund, to retrain for alternative employment? Will the minister comment on United Kingdom Government restrictions on providing training assistance to people who have been unemployed for less than six months?
No UK or other legislation prevents people from accessing training until they have been unemployed for six months. Skills are devolved to the Scottish Government and, as such, decisions on skills training offers are its responsibility. From 1 April 2009, training for work will be available to people who have been unemployed for three months or more, and all training interventions will be considered in the light of the economic downturn.
Teachers (Protection from Violence)
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect teachers from violence in schools. (S3O-5795)
Any violence in schools is unacceptable. The Scottish Government is committed to helping schools to create peaceful and positive learning environments for staff and pupils and is working to tackle indiscipline and violence in schools in a variety of ways. We are working with local authorities to support schools in introducing the most effective approaches to promoting positive behaviour and dealing with indiscipline and more serious incidents. We fund the positive behaviour team at £500,000 per year; it provides free training and promotes good practice throughout Scotland.
I share the minister's concerns. The most recent figures are shocking: there was a 28 per cent increase in assaults with weapons in Scottish schools, which Ronnie Smith, the general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland described as "shocking" and
Andy Kerr will know that, this month, the Government will start a survey on bad behaviour is schools. I repeat that any violence in schools in unacceptable, and I am concerned by any rise in exclusions because of assaults, which is a very serious problem. Although they account for less than 1 per cent of exclusions, they represent some of the most serious incidents. That is why schools use a wide range of approaches to improve relationships and promote positive behaviour.
Physical Education
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that every primary school pupil receives two hours of high-quality physical education per week. (S3O-5813)
Physical education is a key element of the health and wellbeing area of the curriculum. Guidance to support the new three-to-18 curriculum explicitly refers to our commitment that all schools will continue to work towards the provision of two hours of good-quality physical education for each child every week. The health and wellbeing experiences and outcomes are being redrafted to take account of feedback from trialling, and I expect the final version to be published in time for schools to begin introducing the new curriculum from August this year, with full implementation by August 2010.
It has become clear to the Health and Sport Committee in its current investigation into pathways into sport that, in too many schools, two hours of physical education are not being delivered, never mind at a high quality. How does the Government assess levels of physical literacy for primary 4 to 7 pupils? What steps will be taken to ensure that the physical literacy of individual pupils is measured with the same emphasis as numeracy and literacy?
I assure the member that I am sure that the outcomes for the health and wellbeing part of the curriculum for excellence will include means of measuring those outcomes for children's learning.
Europe, External Affairs and Culture
European Policy (Representations)
To ask the Scottish Executive how it makes representations on its views on European policy matters that impact on Scotland. (S3O-5854)
The Scottish Government uses various methods to make representations on European policy matters that affect Scotland. For instance, we regularly meet European commissioners and respond to their consultations, we attend meetings of the European Council, and we brief MEPs. We also remain in regular contact with our Whitehall counterparts to promote Scottish interests in the establishment of the United Kingdom's position.
Doubtless the minister will be aware that the ratification is pending of a preferential trade agreement between the European Union and the state of Israel. In light of events in the middle east, will the Government make representations to the EU and the European Parliament about the validity of endorsing that trade agreement at this stage?
I presume that we are discussing the EU-Israel association agreement, which sets out the framework for interaction between the EU and Israel on issues such as the economy, trade, security and diplomatic relations.
How is the Scottish Government using EU funds to aid the Scottish economy?
We are front loading spending on our European structural funds programmes and have already awarded approximately £200 million to almost 300 projects. Eighteen businesses accepted regional selective assistance of more than £16 million in the three months to the end of December, creating or safeguarding more than 1,300 jobs. The First Minister met European Commission representatives on 27 January to discuss Scotland's role in the energy projects that are being discussed in Brussels in relation to urgent EU funding.
Very wise.
The minister will no doubt be aware of the co-operation agreement on a range of policy and trade areas that the European Commission and Chinese Government signed recently. Has she made representations to the UK Government or European Commission on how Scotland could benefit from or support the initiative? Does she plan to raise the matter at the next meeting of the joint ministerial committee on Europe, which I believe is to be held in March?
I have to hold my hands up on this one: I cannot give Irene Oldfather any detail on the matter. As she knows, we have our China plan, which is part of our international framework. We are serious about our relationship with China on trade, education and business. She also knows that the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning will visit China shortly to promote Scotland's interests.
Will the minister outline the Government's approach to European energy policy now that it is interesting and important, not only in terms of energy supply but in relation to the politics of eastern and western Europe? Is she satisfied that we have the correct level of representation at policy-making level?
The Government is not satisfied that we have the right level of engagement with the European Union. It is clear that, as an independent state in the European Union, our voice would be heard more strongly. However, we are aware of opportunities in the European Union, one example of which is the proposed list of projects that would benefit from European core funding. Those in the energy sector relate to infrastructure projects, carbon capture and storage and the development of offshore wind power. We are talking to the UK Government on how the various EU and UK funding streams might mesh. Those discussions will continue, as will discussions with our counterparts in Europe and all the relevant agencies. We will ensure that we best represent Scotland and Scotland's interests.
Europe (Training Partnerships)
What progress has been made in developing technical and training partnerships with European advanced regions such as the four motors for Europe, which are known to be interested in establishing links with Scotland. (S3O-5832)
We are already involved in a number of partnerships that involve the members and associate members of the four motors for Europe, including the districts of creativity and the creativity world forum. The Scottish Government seeks to work with European partners where there is scope to collaborate in a specific policy area or where we can share policy experiences.
Given that it is often the case that regions such as the four motors for Europe and other bodies have the main responsibility for the environment and research, does the minister see the possibility of a two-track future in which national diplomacy is supplemented by co-operation on areas such as renewables and other energy issues, culture and education?
As I stated, we always seek to work with partners across Europe on a wide variety of topics when there is clear benefit in doing so. The most recent example is the agreement that the First Minister reached with the Catalan Government to work to achieve a lasting legacy from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games.
Gaza (Aid)
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made regarding its commitment to provide humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. (S3O-5829)
On Tuesday 27 January, I met representatives of Scotland-based organisations and the Disasters Emergency Committee Scotland to hear at first hand about their work and to discuss how best the Scottish Government can assist them.
Does the minister agree that it is vital to ensure that such aid reaches those who are most desperately in need? Can she advise the chamber of the safeguards that are in place to ensure that that happens? What humanitarian assistance is the Scottish Government providing to other areas of conflict in the world at this time, such as the Congo and Sri Lanka?
I wish that we could guarantee absolutely that the border will be open and that the aid will get through to the right people. However, the agencies with which we are working—from the largest, such as Islamic Relief Scotland and Oxfam Scotland, right down to smaller agencies such as Edinburgh Direct Aid and Glasgow the Caring City—have vast experience in that regard. We will look at what they put in front of us in their applications and we will judge, on the basis of their expertise, the most effective way of getting aid in.
Question 4 was not lodged.
Gaza (Aid)
To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to Scottish charities that are assisting the humanitarian response to the situation in Gaza. (S3O-5860)
As I mentioned in my reply to Kenneth Gibson's question, I have met representatives of Scotland-based aid organisations. I am hugely impressed both by the response, knowledge and expertise of agencies based in Scotland and by the response of the public, not least members, to the crisis in Gaza. Today Pauline McNeill co-ordinated some work with Edinburgh Direct Aid; I know that Roseanna Cunningham, Kenneth Gibson and many others have helped with that appeal. That is a mark of a caring Scotland.
The fact that two out of the first four questions to the minister this afternoon relate to Gaza shows the strength of feeling in all parties on the issue. I am pleased that she has met representatives of the Disasters Emergency Committee. It is just over a week since the appeal was launched, and more than £250,000 has already been raised from Scotland alone.
All members recognise that humanitarian aid should always be focused on the people who need it. The First Minister has issued a call to the BBC to rethink its decision not to broadcast the appeal for Gaza. As Nicol Stephen pointed out, it is admirable how much money has been raised despite the BBC's decision not to broadcast the appeal.
I welcome what the minister has said in support of the efforts of Edinburgh Direct Aid and the convoy to Gaza. The truck outside the Scottish Parliament today is there partly to acknowledge the work that MSPs, including Wendy Alexander and Roseanna Cunningham, have done, which is to be commended. The minister told us that she could not be there for the photo call, but I know that she would have attended if she could.
I echo Pauline McNeill's concerns about the border closing. John Wilson brought me up to date on the matter a short while ago—as Pauline McNeill has always done in relation to the current situation.
Homecoming 2009 (Dumfries and Galloway)
To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture's directorate will play in ensuring that there is a cultural legacy for Dumfries and Galloway from homecoming Scotland 2009. (S3O-5808)
As Elaine Murray knows, Dumfries and Galloway's homecoming on your doorstep programme is supported by the local council and the Scottish Government. The programme offers a fantastic range of events across the region throughout the year, engaging communities, boosting tourism and working for the benefit of all.
I hope that the minister and her colleagues enjoyed being guests at the homecoming event in Dumfries on the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Burns lived in Dumfries for the last eight years of his life, and he frequently attended the Theatre Royal. Does the minister share my concerns that theatre provision in Dumfries is now far from adequate? Will it be possible to apply the £60 million town centre turnaround fund, which was announced during the budget process and was welcomed throughout the chamber, to cultural regeneration projects?
The issue of the Theatre Royal has been raised with me by councillors from Dumfries, and the local council recognises the need for improved performing arts facilities in Dumfries and Galloway. The council is working with all partners to find a sustainable solution.
Scottish Mining Museum
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recognises the national importance of the Scottish mining museum. (S3O-5781)
The Scottish Government fully recognises the importance of museums and collections the length and breadth of Scotland, from the Pier arts centre in Orkney to the archaeology collection in Dumfries and Galloway. Scotland is blessed with so many local museums, with collections that both reflect local heritage and are of national and international importance. Local authorities that fund such museums should be commended.
I thank the minister for that reply, albeit that her view on our national mining museum's importance is rather disappointing. The Scottish mining museum is a great success for Midlothian and for Scotland. As members know, the museum is Europe's best preserved 19th century pit complex and is a five-star attraction that is attracting ever increasing visitor numbers even in the current economic climate.
I recently had a very constructive meeting with the museum's chair, Mr Henry McLeish. We discussed the on-going review of the business plan for the museum. When that is complete, we will continue our discussions with the museum, which have been going on for many months. The Government has already helped the mining museum and the other industrial museums with capital funding—to a level unmatched, I believe, by previous capital allocations. Revenue funding is, of course, a matter for Museums Galleries Scotland.
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