COLIN BEATTIE MSP HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN [LOCAL AREA] AS SCHOOLS GO BACK

SCHOOLS BACK: SNP PROVIDE BEST SUPPORT TO FAMILIES ON THESE ISLANDS
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has said Scottish families get the best support on these islands as children head back to school this week in Midlothian North.

Colin Beattie highlighted the range of support available with the cost of learning, including the Best Start School Age Payment, with 345 payments made to families in Midlothian last year.
 
The payment is a one-off payment of £331.95 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags.
 
Meanwhile, thanks to action taken by the SNP in government, over 360,000 children in Scotland are entitled to free school meals, saving families around £450 per eligible child per year. This includes every child in P1 to P5. Over the course of the new Parliament, the SNP Scottish Government will expand entitlement further so every child at primary school can benefit from a free, healthy, nutritious school meal.
 
On top of that, to help with the cost of uniforms, the SNP increased the national minimum School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“The start of the school year is an exciting time for children, but it can be a financially challenging time for families especially with the cost of living crisis hitting Scottish households hard.  
 
“That’s why it is absolutely right we are providing the best cost of living support package on these islands including supporting Scottish families as the kids go back to school.
 
“Last year, 345 payments were made in Midlothian North through the Best Start School Age Payment to help families with the cost of having a child starting school, while we’ve expanded free school meals and increased the School Clothing Grant.
 
“Westminster has let the cost of living crisis spiral out of control, but here in Scotland the SNP Scottish Government is doing what we can to support Scottish families and ensure every child has the best possible start in life.”  
 
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