£12m boost to educate youngsters in care

Almost £12 million of Scottish Government money is being made available to help boost the education chances of children and young people who have been in care.

A total of £11,620,560 is being awarded to councils from the Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund.

But while the money is aimed at helping improve the attainment of children and people up to the age of 26 who have been in care, authorities are being told that, in the aftermath of Covid-19, they can redirect some of it to help other “vulnerable and disadvantaged families”.

Chief social workers and directors of education will help councils decide how the money is spent.

Last year cash was used to pay for schemes such as mentoring programmes and outdoor play-based education.