Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Care Inspectorate publishes annual statistics on the numbers of childminders operating across Scotland. The most recent data, for 2021, were published in September 2022 and are set out in the following table.

The Strategic Board for Teacher Education met on 4 September to consider their workplan including recruitment and retention issues. This work is ongoing and will be complemented by the project I am commissioning on education workforce modelling and research, which will be completed by the end of the year. The SBTE will use findings from the education workforce modelling and research project provide me with further advice on initial teacher education programmes.

The first meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Promise will take place when the membership and remit have been confirmed.

All local authorities in Scotland have a statutory responsibility to manage and maintain their school estate, including school playgrounds.

Since 2007, the number of schools in ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ condition has increased from 61% to 90.7% - seeing a 77% reduction in pupils educated in substandard conditions.

In partnership with local authorities, we are investing significantly in the school estate through our Learning Estate Investment Programme to build on that progress.

Technical skills development forms part of the Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes in the Technologies. As such, the development of those skills should remain an important part of the school curriculum throughout the Broad General Education (BGE).

In line with the STEM Education and Training Strategy, the Scottish Government supports the development of a range of STEM-related skills. This includes programmes of professional learning for teachers, an awards programme for young people and a range of remote learning resources.

In terms of new-build schools being suitable to deliver courses such as woodwork and metalwork, the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Strategy is clear that learning environments should support and facilitate excellent learning and teaching to meet the needs of all pupils. The Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) is being delivered in partnership with local authorities (which have responsibility for school buildings) and will benefit tens of thousands of pupils across Scotland. The LEIP aims to deliver modern learning environments, including spaces for practical subjects.

Scotland’s flagship 1140 policy is the most generous childcare offer in the UK, delivering high quality early learning and childcare to thousands of families.

The Scottish Government does not gather or hold any data on the reading age of school children.

Scottish Government fleet purchases for the last 5 years, broken down by category, are provided in the following table.

I am pleased to announce that today we have published the Scottish Government report on the operation and effect of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in its first five years.

Later today, we are launching a consultation on the continuation of the minimum unit pricing legislation beyond 30 April 2024, when it is otherwise due to expire. We believe our proposals strikes a reasonable balance between the positive public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and subsequent impact on consumers.

The consultation builds on Ministerial engagement with business and health stakeholders which has taken place throughout the summer and is supported by an interim Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment which will also been published today.

We would encourage everyone to take the time to respond to the consultation.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21034 on 15 September 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 .