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Promoting the use of schools
04/06/2008
Plans to close a loophole in the law which could 'hinder' the community use of schools were announced today.
Parent groups and people using schools to teach adult classes could fall within the scope of disclosure checks.
Children's Minister Adam Ingram said that was not intended and now the Scottish Government has brought forward a legal amendment which means, subject to parliamentary approval, these groups will no longer be 'hampered by unnecessary checks'.
Mr Ingram said:
"Making sure our children are safe in school is always paramount.
"We must ensure child protection measures are robust but the current laws - introduced under the last administration -were never intended to restrict the community use of schools.
"Scotland's schools are often the hub of communities and the buildings offer a great resource for those living in the surrounding area.
"Whether it is the instructor of an adult aerobics class using the school gym hall, Parent Council members meeting in a classroom or councillors meeting their constituents in a school, we want to ensure the buildings can be used to their full potential
"That's why we've moved swiftly to adopt a common sense approach and make clear that these groups are not in child care positions."
Interpretation of The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 meant Parent Councils and other groups using schools who do not principally work with children could be deemed to be in child care positions and subject to disclosure checks.
The Scottish Government has laid an amendment to the 2003 Act which, if approved by parliament, will make clear that Parent Councils meeting in schools, colleges and hostels and those carrying out work in schools primarily aimed at adults are not in child care positions.
Minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram gave evidence to the Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee on the amendment today (4 June). If the Scottish Parliament approves the amendment it will come into force on 1 July 2008.