Correspondence relating to issues of child protection and the General Teaching Council: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Information requested
All correspondence, meeting minutes, phone call notes or records or any other form of communication either to or from members of the Cabinet relating to issues of child protection and the General Teaching Council for Scotland between 1 January 2021 and present.
Response
I enclose a copy of the information you requested.
Note of meeting between Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and the General Teaching Council for Scotland: 12 August 2021
The following extracts were in scope of the request:
Information Sharing
Pauline outlined that this was an area of major concern for the GTCS as it curtailed them in carrying out their functions. Currently they need orders from the Court of Session to obtain information where teachers are/were under criminal investigation. They are seeking a judicial review as they consider that the Information Commissioner’s Office are giving incorrect advice to Police Scotland on this issue. The Cabinet Secretary agreed that the current situation was unsustainable and asked to be kept up to date as discussions progressed.
Action: GTCS to keep Cabinet Secretary updated.
Instrumental Music Instructors
Pauline said that they were aware of the manifesto commitment to register Instrumental Music Instructors (IMI). Current regulations would allow the GTCS to open a register but not regulate IMIs. They were, however, working on how a register would operate and what revisions will be needed to current regulations. She added that if GTCS regulations are to be changed them they suggest using this opportunity to make other amendments to the regulations.
Submission to Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and the Minister for Children and Young People on the Scottish Borders Council Inquiry: 24 February 2022
The following extract was in scope of the request:
General Teaching Council for Scotland
Although not referenced by the inquiry, we are aware that the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) also have concerns in relation to this case as LM was not referred to them through their Fitness to Teach procedures. GTCS have expressed concerns over the implications of this case on their ability to regulate the teaching profession. We are liaising with GTCS on this issue.
I have also attached a background note provided to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills for PQ S6W – 05201 (Document 1), and a letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and Willie Rennie MSP dated 3 March 2022 (Document 2).
Some of the information you have requested is available from:
- Written question and answer: S6W-05201 | Scottish Parliament Website
- Written question and answer: S6W-05204 | Scottish Parliament Website
- Written question and answer: S6W-05203 | Scottish Parliament Website
- Meeting of the Parliament: 24/02/2022 | Scottish Parliament Website
Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.
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Email: ceu@gov.scot
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