The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the Brexit continuity bill
MSPs quiz education ministers during portfolio questions
MSPs back the general principles of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.
The member's debate focuses on electronic and internet voting
Education Secretary John Swinney confirms there has been no evaluation of the Scottish strand, though he says teachers are using Scottish texts while teaching literacy.
He makes assurances that the recommendations of the Scottish Studies Working Group have been embedded in the curriculum.
SNP MSP Joan McAlpine asks what evaluation the government has carried out of how the Scottish Studies strand of the curriculum is operating.
Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur raises the issue of key roles of student associations in representing the interests of students at colleges and universities.
Education Secretary John Swinney
Education Secretary John Swinney says the mental health of children is an important issue.
He notes all schools should provide counselling services, whether that be in school or the ability to refer pupils to other services.
Ms Ross asks about ensuring teachers can identify children with adverse childhood experiences.
The cabinet secretary says a summit is to be held soon which will help identify best practice for this.
He adds that ensuring a whole-school nurturing approach is taken is important.
Image source, bbcScott Pennock, the head teacher at Wallace High School in Stirling talks to pupils
Many more school staff need to be trained to help pupils with their mental health problems, according to a leading charity.
A survey by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) suggested two-thirds of teachers felt ill-equipped.
SAMH chief executive Billy Watson called on the Scottish government to create a programme this year to train all school staff in mental health.
Ministers are carrying out an audit of school-based counselling.
SNP MSP Gail Ross asks the government how it supports school staff who provide guidance and counselling to vulnerable young people.
Image source, bbcEducation Secretary John Swinney
Education Secretary John Swinney says local authorities spent £9.2m on school clothing grants in 2016/17.
Mr Swinney says he is working towards a minimum school clothing grant.
Ms Baillie asks if the minister will consider £130 as the minimum school clothing grant.
The minister says he has met with COSLA and joint work is being undertaken to establish a minimum school clothing grant.
Image source, bbcLast August a BBC investigation found the amount low-income parents could claim in school clothing grants still varies hugely around Scotland.
In West Lothian they can receive up to £110 per child, while in North Ayrshire it is a maximum of £40.
Last year, the Scottish government pledged to meet councils over setting a minimum level but it never happened.
Education secretary John Swinney has now said he wants a voluntary agreement for councils to set a nationwide rate.
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie asks what the average school clothing grant payment was in 2017.
Employment and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn
Mr Chapman says STEM apprenticeships are only being delivered in 23 of Scotland's 32 local authorities, asking what is being done to expand opportunities across all Scotland.
Employment and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn says foundation apprenticeships are fairly new.
He commits to continuing to roll out such apprenticeships across more of Scotland.
Labour MSP Mary Fee asks about support for children from deprived communities to access STEM apprenticeships.
Mr Hepburn says their wider availability means more young people will have the opportunity to take part.
Image source, bbcScience is one of the subject areas for which it is difficult to find suitable teachers
Last summer we reported that several Scottish councils were warning they were finding it hard to recruit new science, technology and maths teachers.
A number told BBC Scotland they have had fewer applications for teaching posts in these so-called STEM subjects than they had hoped for.
In some cases it was impossible to fill posts and, as a result, courses or subjects have been dropped.
Scotland's largest teachers' union, the EIS, said any unfilled vacancy was a cause for concern.
Tory MSP Peter Chapman asks what action the government is taking to encourage young people into STEM apprenticeships.
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Childcare and Early Years Minister Maree Todd
Childcare and Early Years Minister Maree Todd says the Scottish government has already invested £3m in this area.
The minister goes on to say the recent bad weather should not be an impediment to play.
Image source, bbcMs Todd says snow should not be an impediment to play
Image source, Strathclyde UniversityIn 2016 we reported that Scotland had been placed joint last in an international study of physical activity among children.
The research found that Scotland had one of the best environments and infrastructure for outdoor play among the 38 nations that took part.
But it was ranked joint worst for exercise, and for the amount of time children spend in front of screens.
The study found parents were often reluctant to allow children to play outside.
Competition from sedentary and screen-based activities was also a major factor.
However, the Active Healthy Kids Report Card, external praised Scotland's policies on encouraging physical activity, which were ranked joint second-highest of the 38 countries.
Image source, Scottish governmentThe Scottish government launched its Play Strategy, external in 2013.
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire asks for an update on the implementation of the national Play Strategy.
Image source, Getty Images/ThinkstockEducation ministers are in the hot seat facing tough examination during portfolio questions.
Image source, Scottish Parliament/BBC/PAYup, the Stage One debate on the EU Continuity Bill gets underway at 2.10pm.
So if that evidence session hasn't sated your Brexit appetite, fear not, we'll bring you more constitutional contretemps all afternoon,
First up at 1.30pm we have portfolio questions with education ministers in the hot seat.
Image source, PAEducation Secretary John Swinney
The convener confirms the committee will return next week to consider the bill at stage 2, assuming the general principles pass this evening.
"I have already been warned by the deputy convener to bring my sleeping bag."
And on that note......... lunchtime!
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser raises the issue of section 5 which deals with the general principles of EU law.
Mr Fraser says the Continuity Bill does not specify what the general principles are.
Image source, bbcMr Russell says examples are given in the policy memorandum.
He warns against to much specificity which he say might lead to something being left out.