Simple terms explainer:

Councils must make sure every pupil for whom they are responsible receives at least the prescribed number of learning hours each school year. These prescribed hours will be set by Scottish Ministers in future regulations. In certain circumstances, councils may provide fewer hours - for example, if delivering the full hours would harm a pupil’s wellbeing, if it is impracticable due to factors beyond the council’s control, or in other situations defined by Ministers. Where reduced hours are allowed, councils must still provide at least the minimum reduced hours. Before reducing hours, councils must assess the impact on the child’s wellbeing using the SHANARRI indicators (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included).