- Asked by: Meghan Gallacher, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to increase the number of modern languages (a) teachers and (b) teaching assistants to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, in light of the reported decrease in numbers.
Answer
The Scottish Government has clear commitments to improve education, and those include more teachers in our schools.
During the pandemic we provided £240 million of additional investment to local authorities to support the recruitment of additional education staff to support education recovery. We recently set out measures to Parliament making it clear that we will provide £145.5 million in next year’s budget to protect increased teacher numbers and support staff. Where this is not being delivered by a local authority, we will withhold or recoup funding that has been given for this purpose.
Additionally, we value the contribution of languages assistants who come to our schools through a variety of programmes. This is why we have provided funding to partners such as British Council Scotland and the University of Strathclyde to manage and promote such programmes.
- Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
-
Date lodged: Monday, 03 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Maree Todd on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government how many mental health community link workers were recruited in each financial year from 2016-17 to 2021-22, broken down by NHS board.
Answer
Community Link Workers are generalists who support people with a range of social and economic issues which can include mental health. The Primary Care Improvement Fund (PCIF) funds Community Link Workers (CLWs) as part of primary care multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs). At March 2022, 249 WTE CLWs had been recruited to support GP practices.
The Scottish Government published information on the number CLWs recruited broken down by Integration Authority, on 21 June 2022.Further information, including the location by Integration Authority, of CLWs by both headcount and whole time equivalent, since 2018, can be accessed at: Supporting documents - Primary care improvement plans: summary of implementation progress - March 2022 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) . This does not include CLWs recruited through funding other than PCIF funding.
The Scottish Government has already invested significantly to build mental health capacity including our Action 15 commitment to funding 800 additional mental health workers in key settings, including A&Es, GP practices, police station custody suite and prisons – ensuring local provision and support is at the heart of our plans. As at 12 July 2022, an additional 958.9 whole time equivalent (WTE) mental health roles have been filled using Action 15 funding, including 356.1 WTE posts in GP practices and a further 259.9 WTE mental health workers recruited under the Primary Care Improvement Fund (PCIF). A full performance report can be found here , Mental health workers: quarterly performance reports .
- Asked by: Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
-
Date lodged: Thursday, 13 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Kevin Stewart on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on (a) how many children and (b) what percentage of school-age pupils have taken part in cycling proficiency training courses in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.
Answer
The following table shows the percentage of primary schools delivering Level 2 Bikeability training for each year broken down by local authority. The entries showing "no return" reflect that Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire and North Ayrshire delivered alternative training. Argyll and Bute and East Ayrshire started delivering Bikeability training in 2020-21.
During 2021-2022 there was a 20% increase in the number of pupils participating in Bikeability Scotland. A record 52,604 pupils received training.
59% of primary schools are timetabling cycle training and delivering at least one level of Bikeability Scotland. 50% of schools delivered the national standard, level 2 on-road programme shown to have the greatest impact.
LOCAL AUTHORITY | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
Aberdeen City | 21% | 25% | 31% | 57% | 68% | 62% | 68% | 42% | 47% | 9% | 27% | 67% |
Aberdeenshire | 93% | 93% | 76% | 91% | 91% | 63% | 80% | 79% | 85% | 27% | 51% | 65% |
Angus | 74% | 72% | 74% | 57% | 43% | 45% | 50% | 67% | 78% | 41% | 71% | 88% |
Argyll & Bute | 45% | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | pilot ongoing |
Clackmannanshire | 11% | 11% | 37% | 37% | 39% | 44% | 17% | 33% | 100% | 33% | 100% | 100% |
Dumfries & Galloway | 70% | 73% | 47% | 30% | 29% | 41% | 43% | 38% | 36% | 4% | 5% | 29% |
Dundee | 0% | 0% | 3% | 23% | 29% | 17% | 11% | 53% | 91% | 67% | 82% | 97% |
East Ayrshire | 7% | 9% | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | pilot ongoing |
East Dunbartonshire | 5% | 3% | 5% | 24% | 14% | 8% | 22% | 15% | 67% | 76% | 94% | 100% |
East Lothian | 0% | 0% | 11% | 26% | 29% | 23% | 29% | 41% | 49% | 24% | 47% | 94% |
East Renfrewshire | 33% | 40% | 70% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 67% |
Edinburgh | 29% | 40% | 52% | 72% | 70% | 48% | 68% | 60% | 53% | 7% | 26% | 40% |
Falkirk | 4% | 6% | 10% | 8% | 22% | 12% | 4% | 6% | 8% | 19% | 6% | 2% |
Fife | 31% | 21% | 16% | 16% | 18% | 21% | 36% | 22% | 29% | 23% | 24% | 33% |
Glasgow | 4% | 4% | 15% | 28% | 25% | 34% | 29% | 35% | 34% | 22% | 33% | 31% |
Highland | 34% | 28% | 16% | 29% | 28% | 29% | 36% | 21% | 30% | 12% | 15% | 22% |
Inverclyde | 4% | 21% | 35% | 10% | 30% | 30% | 20% | 15% | 26% | 0% | 5% | 5% |
Midlothian | 10% | 40% | 63% | 87% | 63% | 63% | 81% | 75% | 69% | 22% | 41% | 65% |
Moray | 96% | 65% | 58% | 47% | 62% | 49% | 37% | 40% | 56% | 27% | 62% | 76% |
Na h-Eileanan Siar | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 5% | 96% | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% |
North Ayrshire | 0% | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return | No return |
North Lanarkshire | 0% | 7% | 5% | 0% | 4% | No return | 9% | 10% | 11% | 15% | 29% | 50% |
Orkney | 40% | 40% | 65% | 95% | 90% | 65% | 68% | 63% | 58% | 37% | 90% | 65% |
Perth & Kinross | 91% | 61% | 40% | 37% | 34% | 62% | 52% | 51% | 61% | 26% | 67% | 87% |
Renfrewshire | 6% | 8% | 22% | 29% | 20% | 22% | 20% | 22% | 29% | 10% | 59% | 72% |
Scottish Borders | 54% | 54% | 43% | 8% | 27% | 29% | 31% | 31% | 8% | 2% | 25% | 41% |
Shetland | 100% | 53% | 45% | 90% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 25% | 100% | 100% |
South Ayrshire | 79% | 55% | 73% | 76% | 83% | 76% | 81% | 83% | 88% | 44% | 34% | 41% |
South Lanarkshire | 0% | 10% | 17% | 28% | 39% | 34% | 39% | 39% | 43% | 15% | 10% | 40% |
Stirling | 17% | 18% | 5% | 43% | 65% | 68% | 50% | 72% | 66% | 26% | 58% | 74% |
West Dunbartonshire | 9% | 12% | 9% | 21% | 44% | 41% | 49% | 56% | 59% | 13% | 38% | 28% |
West Lothian | 21% | 0% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 17% | 11% | 26% | 9% | 9% | 22% |
TOTALS | 32% | 32% | 35% | 37% | 40% | 38% | 42% | 42% | 47% | 20% | 37% | 50% |
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has discussed the issue of education on the history of the British Empire with (a) other devolved governments, (b) the UK Government and (c) international governments.
Answer
The Scottish Government has not specifically discussed the issue of education on the history of the British Empire with other devolved governments, the UK Government or international governments. However, there are opportunities to engage on curriculum design and delivery more broadly with the other nations of the UK, and in January 2023 the Scottish Government engaged with the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent during their visit to the UK, and this engagement included reference to opportunities within the curriculum to embed Black history - including the impact of colonialism, racism and society today.
For more information on opportunities to learn about the British Empire within the Curriculum for Excellence, I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-16999 on 2 May 2023. 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
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Michael Matheson on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government on what date in Spring 2023 it plans to publish its proposed new cancer strategy.
Answer
We plan to publish the proposed new cancer strategy in Spring 2023. We do not have a specific date.
- Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Paul McLennan on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-15794 by Patrick Harvie on 22 March 2023, what recent discussions the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights has had with Safe Deposits Scotland regarding staffing levels, including staff turnover, following reportedly high response times to customers in 2022.
Answer
There have been no recent discussions between the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights with SafeDeposits Scotland regarding staffing levels and staff turnover. Officials engage with each of the approved schemes on a regular basis as part of monitoring compliance with the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and discuss a range of matters. Measures being taken by SafeDeposits Scotland in relation to customer response times following the introduction of a new IT system in July 2022 was a part of recent engagement.
- Asked by: Meghan Gallacher, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to expand the learning of (a) BSL and (b) other modern languages in schools.
Answer
Since 2013 the teaching of modern languages in schools has expanded considerably. Language learning is now normal in schools beginning at P1 and continuing throughout the Broad General Education (BGE). Prior to the introduction of the 1+2 approach, learning modern languages did not normally commence until later into primary schooling.
We have supported this expansion by providing funding of over £50million to partners and local authorities since 2013. This funding has been used to help upskill the workforce by providing teachers with training in language learning and teaching. It has also been used to promote language learning to learners, families and communities.
Under the 1+2 approach at least two languages should be taught during the BGE. The first additional language must be one that can be taught to the level of a National Qualification; however, the second additional language can be any language, including BSL. The second additional language does not need to be taught continuously, which gives pupils the opportunity to learn about a variety of languages and cultures. In keeping with the flexibility of Curriculum for Excellence, it is up to schools and local authorities to determine which languages they wish to offer.
We are working with a range of organisations to make sure that BSL is promoted to schools and local authorities, and that resources are developed to support schools that wish to offer BSL as one of the languages they teach. Uptake of BSL has steadily increased in the primary sector in recent years, with 113 schools across 24 local authorities reported to be teaching it as of 2021.
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Paul McLennan on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to amend the pre-action requirements relating to private tenancies to formalise the referral of tenants for free independent money advice.
Answer
The aim of the Pre-Action Protocol for rent arrears is to sustain a tenancy, as far as possible, so that tenants can remain in their homes. Before taking action to repossess a property, landlords are required to have carried out certain steps to support their tenant to address any arrears. This includes providing tenants with clear information on how to access information and advice on financial support and debt management. In any subsequent eviction action, a landlord must demonstrate how they have complied with the protocol.
There are no plans at this time to formalise the referral of private tenants for free independent money advice. Guidance for private landlords on complying with the pre-action protocols includes sample letters which help ensure tenants are provided information on their rights and sign-posted to available support, including free independent advice from the Money Talk Team. The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-private-landlords-on-seeking-repossession-of-private-rented-housing-on-rent-arrears-grounds/pages/summary/ .
- Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 April 2023
-
Current Status:
Answered by Maree Todd on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the social impact of grassroots boxing clubs in local communities, and, if none, whether it will consider undertaking research to measure any such impact.
Answer
While the Scottish Government has not undertaken any assessment of the social impact of grassroots boxing we recognise that boxing as a sport is continuing to break down barriers. The wide reach of boxing related projects continues to grow with a lasting and positive impact on people and communities.
Boxing has the ability to reach into disadvantaged communities and engage young people who otherwise might not participate in sport, providing a significant opportunity to address a number of issues including improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and benefiting social regeneration.
We will continue to work with sport scotland and Boxing Scotland to ensure that grassroots boxing maintains its positive impact on communities throughout Scotland.
- Asked by: Edward Mountain, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
-
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 April 2023
Submitting member has a registered interest.
-
Current Status:
Answered by Graeme Dey on 2 May 2023
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made towards the goals set out in the joint policy paper between the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments, The strategy for our veterans.
Answer
The Scottish Government provides an annual update to Parliament on our support for veterans and the Armed Forces community in Scotland. This sets out progress made in delivering the commitments we have made in our Veterans Strategy Action Plan, which is focused on achieving the vision and long term outcomes of the five cross-cutting factors and six key themes in The Strategy for Our Veterans. The accompanying written report from 2022 can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/support-veterans-armed-forces-community-2022/
