Remove barriers to build houses

BY RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL LABOUR GROUP LEADER IAIN MCMILLAN

- 

This week saw the return of Renfrewshire schools, a big day for many, particularly for those either starting their school journey in P1 or moving on to secondary school.

For many parents, it can be a stressful time, but for those who have special needs it can a very difficult time.

Recent figures show that as much as 40 per cent of school children in this country need some sort of extra support whilst at school.

I listened this week to the Kaye Adams phone in on BBC Radio Scotland and, on Wednesday's edition, it featured a piece on the issue.

It was a difficult listen as parents spoke of their experiences which included one mother who was told there was no room for her son at school.

Also, very concerning were the stories from staff who told listeners about the violence they experienced from kids as young as five on a daily basis.

I have spoken about this issue regularly over the last few years, mainly from a health point of view.