Fresh criticism of the Scottish Government’s controversial Named Person scheme has come from a member of the Scottish Parliament.
Hugh Henry, Labour MSP for Renfrewshire South, raised concerns about how the scheme would affect councils and teachers, and called for a rethink.
A petition against the plans has already gained more than 10,000 signatories.
Rethink’ needed
Henry said: “I do have concerns about the way in which the SNP government is introducing the Named Persons Policy.
“There could be significant financial implications for councils and I am worried that children that have no need for a named person will have one imposed upon them.
“I fail to see how in large schools staff will have sufficient time or knowledge to make this work properly.
“The Scottish Government should listen to parents and others who are calling for a rethink.”
Public opposition
Public opposition to the Named Person scheme is intensifying with a petition against the plans passing 10,000 signatures last week.
The petition, set up by campaign group No to Named Person (NO2NP), reads:
“I oppose the Scottish Government’s plan to assign a ‘Named Person’ to every child in Scotland because it undermines families and diverts resources from children who need them.”
Scottish residents can sign it by visiting the NO2NP website.
Concerns
In recent weeks EIS, Scotland’s largest teaching union, Police Scotland and the Scottish Association of Social Work have all expressed concerns about the plans.
Under the Named Person scheme, set to be officially rolled out by August 2016, every child under the age of 18 will be assigned a state employee to monitor their ‘wellbeing’.
The Christian Institute, CARE, Tymes (The Young ME Sufferers) Trust, Family Education Trust and concerned parents launched legal action against the Named Person scheme in July last year.