Chamber and committees

Network Rail is responsible for maintaining and renewing the rail network in Scotland with funding provided by the Scottish Government to meet the independent regulatory determination of the Office of Rail and Road.

The Scottish Government has provided unprecedented additional funding this year to maintain essential rail services and employment of railway staff.

Given the significant financial challenges created by Covid-19, it is appropriate that the rail industry in Scotland should identify scope for sensible efficiencies to help restore the Scottish rail industry to a sustainable financial footing. This is in the best interests of Scotland’s rail users, communities, businesses and staff.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-34158 on 13 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-34158 on 13 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The nutritional standards for food provided at school lunches and breakfast clubs, after school clubs, tuckshops, vending machines are determined by The Nutritional Requirements for food and drink in schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008. Any school lunches provided by an education authority to those who are self-isolating would be required to meet these standards. It is for education authorities to ensure that the food provided is in line with the nutritional standards

The provision of free school meals and alternatives is made to those who are entitled to, or who become eligible for free school meals in line with the national eligibility criteria for the provision of free school meals. This is available from School meals - mygov.scot . Free school meals and alternatives may also be provided to those who qualify under local initiatives.

Statistics on pupils registered for free school meals, including those that qualify under national criteria as well as any local initiatives that extend those criteria, are published in tables 6.17 and 7.14 of the pupil census supplementary statistics, available on the Scottish Government website here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/pupil-census-supplementary-statistics/

The safety of all staff and building users is of paramount importance to the Scottish Government, that is why we have been working with a range of sectors and specialist organisations to develop sector specific guidance on ventilation.

This guidance includes a range of practical solutions to enhance air flow within enclosed spaces, and can be achieved by straightforward solutions, such as the opening of windows or vents. This seeks to provide cost effective solutions to overcome poorer ventilation, and support employers to consider options to provide a Covid-safe environment for staff and customers.

As we progress through the pandemic, we will of course keep under consideration whether this guidance needs to be supported by discreet funding for such projects.

All our teachers are entitled to feel safe at work and we expect local authorities to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place for them.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools was developed with input from members of the Covid-19 Education Recovery Group (CERG), including local authorities. The most recent version of the guidance was published on 30 th October 2020. This guidance is intended to help managers have supportive conversations with staff in a non-discriminatory way. The guidance also makes clear local authorities’ responsibilities as employers to comply with the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, in relation to ensuring that any arrangements they put in place, including any requirement for an individual to work from home to ensure their safety, are non-discriminatory.

A full EQIA has also been undertaken in conjunction with the development of the return to schools guidance and published alongside it on the Scottish Government website.

School food services across Scotland are designed to meet the local circumstances of all children and young people in attendance. Local authorities are responsible for staff resourcing requirements within school kitchens. In preparing for the extension of universal provision of free school meals local authorities will consider their current school meals service arrangements and what staffing will be required to accommodate an increase in uptake.

No child should be going hungry and tackling poverty and inequality is a key priority for this government. The policy of extending the universal provision of free school meals, to cover all primary school children, would not provide families with new income although the provision of free school lunches currently saves all eligible families an average of £400 per child per year.

The additional policy of extending provision to cover school breakfast clubs, and during the school holidays, will assist low income families. Breakfast clubs form an important part of the school day for many children and families and regularly eating nutritious breakfasts supports both positive health and learning outcomes.

We also know holiday periods bring extra financial pressures for families on low incomes. Provision of breakfast and lunch to all primary school pupils during holiday periods will ensure children from low income families can access healthy food without stigma, and relieving pressure on household budgets. Holiday meals are often provided alongside activities for children, which bring wider health, wellbeing and social benefits.

The Scottish Government, along with public, private and third sector partners and the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) issued a joint statement outlining fair work expectations in July to support the transition out of lockdown and a principle of no detriment. The statement still applies now and we remain committed to the principle of no detriment.

It is important that employers are as supportive as possible and that mitigation measures are put in place. We would not expect teachers to be financially penalised, however pay and conditions for teachers are matters for the Scottish Negotiating Committee (SNCT) to determine and discussions on this issue are underway as a matter of urgency. The Scottish government will play our part in those discussions.