Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-34158 on 13 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The nutritional standards for food provided at school lunches and breakfast clubs, after school clubs, tuckshops, vending machines are determined by The Nutritional Requirements for food and drink in schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008. Any school lunches provided by an education authority to those who are self-isolating would be required to meet these standards. It is for education authorities to ensure that the food provided is in line with the nutritional standards

Network Rail is responsible for maintaining and renewing the rail network in Scotland with funding provided by the Scottish Government to meet the independent regulatory determination of the Office of Rail and Road.

The Scottish Government has provided unprecedented additional funding this year to maintain essential rail services and employment of railway staff.

Given the significant financial challenges created by Covid-19, it is appropriate that the rail industry in Scotland should identify scope for sensible efficiencies to help restore the Scottish rail industry to a sustainable financial footing. This is in the best interests of Scotland’s rail users, communities, businesses and staff.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-34158 on 13 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-34158 on 13 January 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The safety of all staff and building users is of paramount importance to the Scottish Government, that is why we have been working with a range of sectors and specialist organisations to develop sector specific guidance on ventilation.

This guidance includes a range of practical solutions to enhance air flow within enclosed spaces, and can be achieved by straightforward solutions, such as the opening of windows or vents. This seeks to provide cost effective solutions to overcome poorer ventilation, and support employers to consider options to provide a Covid-safe environment for staff and customers.

As we progress through the pandemic, we will of course keep under consideration whether this guidance needs to be supported by discreet funding for such projects.

Local Authorities have a responsibility in law under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to make the arrangements they consider necessary for the transport of school pupils between home and school. They have discretion about how such services are provided and will balance the needs of their local communities alongside efficient use of public funds.

I believe it is important to ensure children are given a nutritious breakfast at the start of the day, and breakfast clubs can form an important part of the school day for many children and families. I know that regularly eating nutritious breakfasts supports both positive health and learning outcomes in children.

Education authorities already have a statutory duty under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to take reasonable steps to ensure that every pupil who is entitled, by virtue of their families’ circumstances, to receive school lunches free of charge.

The Scottish Government does not issue guidance to local authorities about using local suppliers and producers for the supply of ingredients for school meals, since they operate independently from Scottish Ministers for their procurement activities. They are therefore responsible for running their own tendering exercises and for the decisions taken as part of those exercises.

Where the value of a contract exceeds £50,000 local authorities, and other public bodies, are required to follow the terms of the Procurement (Scotland) Act 2014 and its associated regulations. The Scottish Government’s website contains a section on Public Sector Procurement Support, which provides a range of tools and guidance to help public bodies carry out transactions efficiently, and to improve and enhance their procurement capability. This information is available on the Scottish Government’s website through the following link: Public sector procurement - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

In addition we support the Soil Association’s Food for Life programme which is now held by 15 local authorities across Scotland. The programme aims to help school catering staff serve freshly prepared meals made from locally produced ingredients that are healthy and sustainable and brings benefits to local food producers by protecting jobs and supporting local farmers. Not only does it encourage local sourcing but it is making a great difference in ensuring that our school children have access to delicious, healthy, sustainable food that has been grown, sourced and produced in Scotland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools sets out the considerations that education and authorities should take to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for those who are asked to shield (at protection level 4). This is available from Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) The guidance also sets out the considerations that should be made for school staff who have underlying health conditions. This is available from Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

In both cases the appropriate arrangements which may be put in place would be determined by individualised risk assessment.

There are currently no nutritional regulations which apply to food delivered to school age children in settings other than school.

The Nutritional Requirements for food and drink in schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008 sets strict nutritional standards that all food and drink served in schools must meet. This includes lunchtime, breakfast clubs, tuckshops, vending machines and at any other times of the day where food or drink is provided.

New regulations governing the nutritional requirements for food and drink in schools will come into effect in April 2021. The four key themes of the new regulations will be that they will increase access to fruit and vegetables, ensuring that our children and young people can access their ‘five-a-day’ at school; reduce the amount of sugar that can be accessed in school; bring provision of red and red processed meat in line with the Scottish Dietary Goals and; change the way food and drink is offered in secondary schools to better meet the needs of young people.

The Health and Social Care Standards set out what children should expect from their care and support included from their school age childcare service. This includes being able to choose healthy meals and snacks, including fresh fruit and vegetables and that meals and snacks meet cultural and dietary needs, beliefs and preferences.

In 2019-20 the Scottish Government invested £2 million in activity to tackle food insecurity during school holidays. While the regulations for food and drink in schools do not apply to meals provided by community organisations, Scottish Government funded third sector holiday meal and activity provision has promoted healthy meals, maximising choice and dignity for recipients.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, local authorities, community organisations and local businesses were involved in the provision of meals for primary school children. The Scottish Government recognised the need for flexibility in adhering to the regulations, and requested that local authorities take all reasonable steps to ensuring that nutritious options were made available wherever possible.

Food Standards Scotland provided further guidance on the nutritional quality of food provision during the pandemic. This was widely shared with local authority and community organisations who were encouraged to follow it. Feedback received from local authorities indicated that they worked proactively and in partnerships to meet need, actively applying the principles in the guidance.