FOI Request - Physical Discipline

Request 101003945880

For the purposes of this request, I would prefer the data on physical discipline, where recorded, to be broken down into: a) Common assault and b) Light smacking (actions that would previously have been regarded as reasonable punishment prior to the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Act 2019).

1. Please can you provide me with copies of your organisation’s guidance on dealing with complaints relating to the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Act 2019?

2. Please can you provide me with the number of reports your organisation received prior to the implementation of the Equal Protection Act, and after its implementation, relating to physical discipline involving either

a) staff members
b) members of the public?

3. Please can you send copies of all internal emails from your communications/PR department to the senior management team relating to how to handle inquiries into cases involving physical discipline?

4. Please can you provide me with a copy of all correspondence with the Scottish Government relating to requests for data/evidence relating to physical discipline?

5. Please can you provide me with data on the amount of time and money spent on training within your organisation relating to the introduction of the Equal Protection Act?

6. Please can you provide me with the number of referrals to your organisation relating to physical discipline in each of the five years prior to the Equal Protection Act’s implementation, and in each of the five years since the Act’s implementation?

7. In how many cases has your organisation provided “proportionate co-ordinated support” to families where concerns relating to physical discipline of a child have been raised, in line with the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated 2023)?

8. Please provide any documentation, reports, case studies, or internal assessments relating to how your organisation provides “proportionate co-ordinated support” to families where concerns relating to physical discipline of a child have been raised, in line with the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated 2023)?