WHEN the Supreme Court ruled that the controversial “named person” legislation risked breaching human rights law, Education Secretary John Swinney was quick to make clear his commitment to amending rather than scrapping the policy.

Changes to the policy, which will see a single point of contact to look out for the welfare of children under 18, include a new code of practice, and MSPs were right to insist they are given a vote on this.

But with roll-out ever closer, it is concerning that those charged with implementing the scheme - social workers, teachers and health visitors - are still expressing concerns over a lack of adequate training in their professions, and a more general lack of awareness among families about how the scheme will impact them.

In response, Education Secretary John Swinney has pledged extra funds to help with the implementation of the scheme, and that is to be welcomed. What is clear, however, is that further and ongoing training will needed to ensure all those working on the ground have the knowledge and skills to make the policy work.

The fact that there remains real public confusion is worrying, but hardly surprising. And it will need to change if the scheme is ever to have wider support. It’s surely time, then, for a new and real push to ensure the aims and practicalities of this legislation are understood by all.