Image source, bbc

Martin Canavan from Aberlour Child Care Trust explains those providing services in the community need to be supported.

There is a lot of expectation on headteachers at the moment around pupil equity funding and that they can just find services, he adds.

Mr Canavan believes schools can build on the foundations laid by the third sector and partnership is the key.

SNP MSP George Adam wonders about community-led action to work with schools or whether it is better being school-led.

Shelagh Young says a mixture of both.

Volunteers are seen "of us" while letters from schools can send parents into a panic because they themselves had a negative experience of schools, she explains.

Ms Young says parents can be suspicious of teachers and professionals so volunteers can be really useful in creating strong links.

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Martin Canavan from Aberlour Child Care Trust explains parents are often the first and main educators of their children.

Susan Hunter from Youthlink Scotland points out early intervention does not have to mean early years.

Ms Hunter states youth work can help young people where formal education cannot sometimes.

Graeme Young from Scouts Scotland believes early intervention is often about access.

Convener James Dornan asks how the organisations support attainment.

Shelagh Young explains Home-Start UK works with families with young children to focus on social and emotional development, which is a key marker for achievement.

Jackie Howie from Learning link Scotland adds parents are more likely to get involved and stay involved with education during the early years.

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Education Committee convener James Dornan introduces the witnessess.....

• Martin Canavan from Aberlour Child Care Trust, external
• Shelagh Young from Home-Start UK, external
• Jackie Howie from Learning Link Scotland, external
• Graeme Young from Scouts Scotland, external
• Susan Hunter from Youthlink Scotland, external

The Education Committee will shortly take evidence on its inquiry into attainment and achievement of school aged children experiencing poverty.

MSPs will take evidence from:

• Martin Canavan from Aberlour Child Care Trust, external
• Shelagh Young from Home-Start UK, external
• Jackie Howie from Learning Link Scotland, external
• Graeme Young from Scouts Scotland, external
• Susan Hunter from Youthlink Scotland, external

Image source, Getty Images

and then from:

• Linda Lees from City of Edinburgh Council
• John Butcher from North Ayrshire Council
• Dr James Foley from North Lanarkshire Council

Read the committee papers here., external

Several organisations and individuals responded to the committee's call for evidence., external

Image source, PA

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 9 May 2018.

The Education Committee takes evidence on closing the attainment gap from a range of third sector organisations, including Aberlour Child Care Trust, Scouts Scotland and Youthlink Scotland.

The lunchtime member's debate focuses on the elimination of Hepatitis C in Scotland.

There's a busy afternoon ahead for under pressure Health Secretary Shona Robison, who will be quizzed during portfolio questions and then faces two health debates led by Labour, who have repeatedly called for her to go.

Image source, BBC/PA

The first health debate continues the call for a public inquiry into mental health services in NHS Tayside.

The second debate focuses on waiting times and the call for accurate, expected waiting time ranges to be communicated to patients.

Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton will then lead a members' debate on the condition of Scotland's roads.