The legislation, part of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act, is due to come into force in August 2016 and will see a named person, usually a health visitor or teacher, appointed to everyone under 18 years old.

Named individuals will act as a single point of contact for parents and authorities regarding welfare concerns.

Mr Henry, Labour MSP for Renfrewshire South, said that he opposes the controversial scheme which he believes could place a burden on schools who are not equipped for the increased workload that the scheme may bring.

He said: “I do have concerns about the way in which the SNP government is introducing the Named Persons Policy.

“There could be significant financial implications for councils and I am worried that children that have no need for a named person will have one imposed upon them.

“I fail to see how in large schools staff will have sufficient time or knowledge to make this work properly.

“The Scottish Government should listen to parents and others who are calling for a rethink.” Concerns about the scheme have been raised across the country with Police Scotland warning of a “lack of clarity” and voicing concerns over the sharing of sensitive information. And the EIS, the country’s largest teachers’ union, said that while it backed the scheme in principle it would have serious concerns about any related workload demands during holidays.

However, the Scottish Government’s acting minister for children and young people, Fiona McLeod is convinced the plan has merit and it won’t interfere with parents’ rights and responsibilities.

She said: “Named persons are being introduced because parents and children asked for them, as a single point of contact.

“They will build on the kind of supportive role that teachers, doctors, nurses and health visitors have long offered to children and parents.

“The service has been tested and is already working well in several areas of Scotland.

“We know that mothers and fathers are, with a very few exceptions, the best people to raise their children. This policy won’t change parental rights and responsibilities.

“The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act, including the Named Person service, was supported by a large majority of those who responded to the public consultation, backed by a wide range of children’s charities and professionals working daily to support families across the country, and endorsed by the Parliament.”