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The Scottish government is to bring forward fresh legislation in a bid to get its controversial Named Person scheme up and running in 2018 .

The system would appoint a named person - usually a teacher or health visitor - to ensure the wellbeing of every child.

Judges at the UK's highest court  ruled against the scheme  in July 2016, citing concerns over information sharing.

The government initially hoped the law could be amended in time to be implemented by August of this year.

The Supreme Court judges had ruled that some aspects of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 were incompatible with the rights to privacy and a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights.

• What is the named person scheme?

Tory MSP Gordon Lindhurst asks what the government's response is to reports that the consultation on reforms to its named persons scheme has been described by one group as a “sham”.

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart asks why Scotland only has half the apprentices per head of population than anywhere else in the UK.

Mr Hepburn says there is a high quality level of apprentice in Scotland and the government will work to keep that going. 

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Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn says the Scottish government has spent £200,000 and as this is Scottish Apprenticeship Week it is a timely question.

Mr Sarwar asks if the minister believes he is getting value for money.

Mr Hepburn says Mr Sarwar is confusing the figures. 

Image source, Apprenticeships .Scot

This week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017., external

Image source, PA

Up to 27,000 young people will benefit from apprenticeship employment opportunities this year, according to the Scottish government.

The figure is 1,000 higher than last year's target for apprenticeship starts.

The statistics have been released ahead of  Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017, external .

During the week, employers will be encouraged to take on young people and consider a work-based learning route into employment.

Scottish Labour MSP Anas Sarwar asks how much the government has spent on graduate apprenticeships since they were introduced.

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Education Secretary John Swinney says the government is taking a number of actions and is spending £88m to make sure schools have enough teachers.

Mr Swinney says the government is hoping to recruit teachers to where they are needed the most.

Ms Smith asks what the government is doing about gender equality in schools given reports of bullying and harassment of female staff members.

Mr Swinney says it is important that there is an inclusive environment and that any teachers who experiences bullying or harassment should come forward. 

Labour MSP Elaine Smith asks what steps the government is taking to retain and recruit teachers to tackle shortages.

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Retired teachers and trainees from overseas are to be targeted in a campaign to tackle classroom shortages in Scotland .

Trainee teachers from Canada, Australia and Northern Ireland will be encouraged to apply to work in Scotland.

Retired teachers who remain on the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) register will be asked to return part-time.

There were more than 500 teacher vacancies in Scotland in August 2016.

A previous freedom of information request  by the Liberal Democrats showed there were 254 primary teacher vacancies and 287 for secondary schools at the beginning of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott asks about the Pupil Equity Fund.

Mr Swinney says he is very happy to engage on that question with the island councils.

Education Secretary John Swinney says the government is committed to ensuring access to quality education in rural areas.

Mr Swinney says there has been a number of measures brought forward to ensure these schools are not disadvantaged.

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Mr Chapman points towards teacher shortages in the North East and says the teacher shortages have been described as "cruel".

Mr Swinney says colleges has been asked to come forward with proposals to make studying towards being a teacher more appealing.

"I understand the difficulties caused by the shortages of teachers," he says. 

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Tory MSP Peter Chapman asks what action the government is taking to ensure that remote and rural schools are not disadvantaged compared to those in urban areas.

We begin this afternoon with portfolio questions and today it is the turn of education and skills ministers

First up in the chamber this afternoon we have portfolio questions as ministers are quizzed on the education and skills brief.

This will be followed by a debate on education led by Scottish Labour entitled '10 Years of Letting Down Teachers, Parents and Pupils'. 

After decision time, SNP MSP Linda Fabiani will lead this evening's member's debate on Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal.

Image source, Marie Curie