MSP WELCOMES SCOT GOV £15.2BN INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION & SKILLS

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed £15.2bn of resource investment in education and skills across Scotland, benefitting children and young people in Midlothian and East Lothian.
 
As set out in the Scottish Government’s Spending Review this week, £1bn will be invested in this term of parliament in tackling the poverty-related attainment gap.
 
After the successful rollout of 1140 hours of free childcare in Midlothian and East Lothian, the SNP Scottish Government will progress work to build a system of school age childcare that is free to those on the lowest incomes and consider how we can most effectively invest in early years support for the families who need it most.
 
There is also a commitment to recruit 3,500 teachers and 500 support staff across Scotland and expanding free school meal provision, continuing to provide funding for school clothing grant, roll-out of digital devices and connectivity to Scotland’s school pupils, a curriculum free of core charges and free music tuition.
 
Commenting SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“The SNP Scottish Government continues to support children and young people in Midlothian and East Lothian and ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
 
“Progress has already been made across Scotland in closing the attainment gap with experts describing the Scottish Government’s work as an ‘unambiguous success’. A further investment of £1bn across the term of this parliament will continue that work.
 
“With the expansion of free school meals and the scrapping of extra-curricular charges and music tuition fees we can ensure that every child in Midlothian and East Lothian can meet their potential without financial barriers.
 
“This demonstrates that is only the SNP that has the track record on improving young children’s experiences and will continue to do so.”