Chamber and committees

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Schools and local authorities are responsible for supporting children's learning. We have taken a range of steps to support them in this role:

Guidance: Our “Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for continuity in learning guidance” (published July 2020, updated October 2020) provides advice on how to support vulnerable children and young people in relation to mental health, transitions, and blended/remote learning and reinforces the need for multi-agency working. Schools can access further national guidance on promoting and managing school attendance, as well as attainment adviser support on attendance.

Funding and programmes of support: We are investing £182 million via the Attainment Scotland Fund in 2020-21, supporting the attainment and achievement of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. We are undertaking an Equity Audit to deepen our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to set clear areas of focus for accelerating recovery. The national e-learning offer is ensuring that remote learning is supported for those who need it, expanding access to live lessons, recorded lessons and online digital learning. We are tackling digital exclusion amongst disadvantaged children and young people through our £25m investment in devices and connectivity.

Health and Wellbeing: Education Scotland has produced a range of professional learning opportunities as well as a series of wakelets (online resources) focusing on health and wellbeing. Data on the availability of school counselling services are being analysed. We expect a summary analysis to be published early next year. School staff also have access to a wide range of mental health training such as Scottish Mental Health First Aid and LIAM ('Let's Introduce Anxiety Management') for mild anxiety interventions.

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.

We currently have no evidence regarding any disproportionate effects on women, but will keep this issue under careful review.