Seòmar agus comataidhean

In respect of parents hosting other people''s children in the context of a school exchange programme, I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28823 on 19 November 2009. There are no requirements for checking of parents sending their children on a school exchange programme. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Scottish Government has provided guidance to local authorities and schools on the protection of children and young people whilst at school. The Safe and Well handbook (2005) provides detailed advice and information to inform local authority and school policies on a range of issues which may affect children and young people. This includes advice on the role of child protection co-ordinators, national policy and legislation and specific issues and concerns which may arise, including arrangements for residential visits and school trips. We are currently updating the Safe and Well guidance. It is planned that revised guidance will be published on the Learning and Teaching Scotland website in spring 2010.

The Business Gateway service provides a first stop access point, across all Scotland, to information and assistance on all forms of business support available for businesses and individuals who wish to start a business. These services are available to all, including disabled entrepreneurs.

Support is also available from Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for those businesses and sectors that have growth potential and are of national and regional significance. Scottish Enterprise and HIE focus their support on the areas where they can have the most economic impact.

Public bodies are required to assess the impact of their policies and services on different equality groups, including disabled people, and to aim to reduce or eliminate unfair impact on any particular group. The Disability Discrimination Act (2005) also requires public bodies to take steps to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

Each scheme must meet the requirements set out in Guidance on Community Service, which has replaced the National Objectives and Standards for Community Service since 1 June 2009.

I refer the member to the answer to questions S3W-28418 on 5 November 2009 and S3W-28421 on 6 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

There are no specified restrictions. However, community service schemes must ensure that work placements are not used in situations that could deprive others of paid employment.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28418 on 5 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The standards referred to in paragraph 17 relate to the standards and obligations to be met by both the community service schemes and potential external placement providers in relation to compliance with relevant working conditions. This includes areas such as health and safety and equal opportunities. These are set out in paragraphs 18 to 25 of the National Objectives and Standards for Community Service, and are maintained in the Guidance on Community Service, which has replaced the National Objectives and Standards since 1 June 2009.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28418 on 5 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

There are no specified restrictions. However, community service schemes must ensure that work placements are not used in situations that could deprive others of paid employment.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28418 on 5 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28366 on 5 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28366 on 5 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28366 on 5 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.