A late bid has been made to include a discussion on a controversial school survey at next week’s meeting of an influential council committee.
The Evidence2Success “wellbeing” survey provoked fury among parents when its contents were revealed by The Courier last month.
Children as young as nine were asked about drugs and knife-carrying, as well as being canvassed on whether they are a “failure” or feel that life is “worth it”.
Older children were asked about their sex lives including graphic descriptions of what “sexual intercourse” was considered to be by the survey team from the Dartington Social Research Unit.
Councillor Willie Wilson said the Wednesday meeting of the lifelong learning committee, for which there is only one agenda item tabled, is the ideal chance for councillors to have their say.
Mr Wilson, who backs the aims of the survey, said: “It seems extraordinary we have such a light agenda at the lifelong learning committee next week.
“I have asked the administration if they will include a late item in the agenda, which would be an update on the Dartington project/ Evidence2Success work.
“It would seem opportune to include this in our discussions when we have such a small amount of other business.”
Despite the public backlash about the school survey, Mr Wilson said he is solidly behind the ambitions of the project and wants councillors to have the chance to back it publicly.
He said: “The project is of key importance to our future childcare strategy and I think that the political administration and other political groups should be putting their shoulder behind the work involved in the survey and be seen to do this publicly.
“As far as the questions are concerned, I understand parental concerns, even if I do not agree with them.
“The report back to committee would give an update on the uptake of the survey report and any parental reaction and allow us to demonstrate our support for the survey and the work behind it.”
As well as the content of the questions, public anger has also centred on the lack of consent forms issued ahead of the survey. Perth and Kinross Council insists that “opt out” forms were issued to every household.
However, many parents maintain that they did not receive them.