Parliamentary Bureau Motion: S2O-1704

25/03/2004 - Official Report

8. Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to support rural schools. (S2O-1704)

The Deputy Minister for Education and Young People (Euan Robson): All our policies for schools are directed towards ensuring that all children, including children in rural areas, benefit from education provision of the highest quality.

Christine Grahame: Will the minister explain why the proposed code of guidance on school closures from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities was postponed by the Executive until after publication of its "Building our Future: Scotland's School Estate" review in February 2003 and why it is still postponed, so that there is no updated guidance to authorities, such as Scottish Borders Council, that are in sore need of it?

Euan Robson: That appears to be a matter for COSLA.

Christine Grahame: It is not-the Executive postponed it.

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): The minister will be aware of Midlothian Council's plans to upgrade its school estate. Many of its proposals for new schools and modernisation are to be welcomed. However, the minister will also be aware of the grave concerns of the parents of children in rural schools that are threatened with closure. Does he accept that a 28-day consultation period is very short and that local authorities need to be aware of Scottish Executive policies on sustainable rural communities? Will he meet me to discuss the possible updating of the legislation?

Euan Robson: I will be happy to meet the member. We have no current plans to change the rules to which she refers. However, we might in due course issue guidelines to clarify those rules for local authorities.