§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what provisions govern child minders hitting children in their care; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 6 May 1994]: There are no specific provisions in legislation relating to the methods of control which may be used by child minders.
The Scottish Childminding Association recommends that, as a matter of good practice, child minders should not use corporal punishment. Scottish Office guidance on the Children Act 1989 also advises that such sanctions as smacking, hitting or shaking should not be used.
§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline his plans for making freely available to the public information, including inspectors reports, on the standard of care provided in private sector residential and nursing homes.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 6 May 1994]: In a consultation document issued last year, my right hon. Friend outlined his plans for taking forward a number of citizens charter principles in the inspection of social work services, including open reporting.
The reports of the social work services inspectorate are already available to the public. Local authority inspection units are responsible for inspecting residential establishments in the private, voluntary and public sectors. Some local authorities already make their reports available to the public; others plan to do so later this year. A further circular on inspecting social work services will be issued later this year which will include a date by which all local reports should be made available to the public.
§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to introduce trust status for social work services currently provided by regional councils.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 6 May 1994]: There are no plans to introduce such an arrangement for social work services.