A controversial survey that was described as “intrusive” by concerned parents has been praised by councillors.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee hailed the Evidence2Success project as being innovative, and revealed that other local authorities hoped to follow in their footsteps.
Convener Bob Band, said: “The work undertaken will provide us with world class data that will enable us to understand fully the perspective of children and their needs.
“We have never before had the opportunity to have such comprehensive information on their needs for planning services for the future, services that will make a difference to every child in Perth and Kinross.”
The £225,000 survey was accused of “denying children their childhood”, as sections asked about their weight, sexual habits, drugs and whether they carry knives.
An anxious Perthshire parent even raised the matter with the information commissioner, as she believed the nature of the questions breached the Data Protection Act.
Following a three-month investigation, however, the independent body which has the power to impose fines of up to £500,000 for improper use of information found that the project did not breach any data protection rules because it was completed anonymously.
Councillor Willie Wilson welcomed the “unique” project, saying: “This is the first time something like this has been done in Scotland on this scale, therefore it is of major significance.
“The early results are data rich and still require a lot of work to be done to them. It will mean changes in what we do and how we fund things, but that’s the reason why we are doing it.
“I’ve found it refreshing that parents have been supportive of the process.”
Councillor Grant Laing said that the council now has to implement changes raised by the survey, the full results of which are expected to be available by September.
He added: “We shouldn’t just forget these figures we need to use them to their full benefit.