Problem solved

Yesterday, you dedicated considerable amounts of space to the issue of new teachers having to make multiple disclosure applications when applying for posts in different council areas.

Unfortunately, you didn't make clear to your readers that action already taken by the Scottish Government, which will see a new Protection for Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme created, means this practice will cease.

Your leader piece carried the headline "Time to sort out the mess of teacher disclosure forms", suggesting nothing has been done. It also included unsubstantiated claims that "there is some doubt" whether the new PVG scheme will address the need for multiple checks.

Let me be clear: the mess has been sorted out, an implementation date for the new PVG scheme has been agreed and the bureaucracy of multiple checks will end.

From November, all newly qualified teachers applying for posts will pay just once to join the new (PVG) scheme and then subsequently be able to quickly and more cheaply provide evidence to an employer that they are suitable to work with children. From 2011, these checks will be available instantly online, as opposed to the current turnaround time of about 14 days (not the six to eight weeks alleged in the article).

It's a pity space could not be found to welcome this ground-breaking new scheme, which was created specifically to address the issues raised several years ago by others but only now highlighted by The Scotsman.

MICHAEL RUSSELL

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning