Named person ‘needs resources’

A teaching union has said more teachers and office staff are needed to deliver the Scottish Government’s named person scheme.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said it does not oppose the principle of the scheme but raised concerns about a lack of training and resources.

Plans to introduce a named person for youngsters involve each child having an appointed professional such as a teacher or health visitor as a single point of contact to advise on their welfare.

EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said: “Teachers are concerned about new demands likely to be made of them which will have implications for workload and potentially for conditions of service.

“Teachers are already suffering from a heavy workload burden and it is important implementation of the named person scheme does not exaggerate this burden and impact negatively on the educational experience of Scotland’s children and young people.”

He added: “In order for the intentions of the legislation to be delivered, significant additional resources will be required in the form of administrative and teaching staff in order to facilitate any additional engagement with parents, multi-agency liaison and information-sharing.

“Significant investment in high quality training will also be essential.”

Mr Flanagan also urged further clarity in named person guidelines, saying the majority of the draft guidance is “difficult to understand”.