Plans to close a loophole in the law which could hinder the community use of schools were announced by Children’s Minister, Adam Ingram on Tuesday 4th June.

Interpretation of The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 meant that Parent Groups and people using schools to teach adult classes could be deemed to be in child care positions and could fall within the scope of disclosure checks.  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.  Whether it is the instructor of an adults 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.”

Judith Gillespie from the Scottish Parent Teacher Council said: “We have been working hard for such a change and we are delighted that common sense has prevailed.  It is good that adult groups will be able to use schools without restrictions.”