Cash boost for schools
Schools in North Lanarkshire are to receive a slice of Scottish Government cash to help boost attainment levels.
And a number of Wishaw schools are among the biggest winners in the latest round of Pupil Equity Funding of more than £8.8 million.
The money will be spent at the discretion of teachers and school leaders on localised initiatives to close the poverty- related attainment gap.
The funding is targeted towards schools who have the highest numbers of pupils receiving free school meals.
One of the area’s biggest beneficiaries is Wishaw Academy Primary School – it is to receive £111,240.
Welcoming last week’s announcement made by Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Wishaw Academy Primary School headteacher Kay Barr said: “It is nice to be in the position to buy ICT equipment to keep children in line with all the changes in the world and prepare them for their lives later on, but it is people that make the difference, rather than resources.
“The main thing for us is having people. It is additional teachers and staff in general and smaller classes that really make a difference to the children.”
Another big winner was St Thomas’s Primary in Wishaw, which was awarded £78,000.
It’s the second cause for celebration at St Thomas’s Primary, which two weeks ago received a glowing report from Education Scotland inspectors.
Headteacher Mary Cruickshank will also be directing the funding towards more staff.
She said; “Additional teaching staff will make the difference to our children and where possible, that’s where we will spend it. With the PEF money we received last year, we were able to employ additional staff including a principal teacher and an additional learning assistant working to help children improve their reading.”
Newmains headteacher Scott Smith, whose school has been awarded £84,000, is using the funding to introduce early years workers to support children at the beginning of their learning journey.
He said: “We have also brought in a play therapist and active learning strategies to increase participation and engagement in school life through sport.
“As well as purchasing ICT equipment, we have also created The Jigsaw Room – a support base for children who experience difficulties in education.”
Other schools to receive major funding were Berryhill Primary in Craigneuk which landed £130,800, Dykehead Primary in Shotts claimed £114,000 and St Aidan’s Primary in Wishaw received £72,000.
Cambusnethan Primary was awarded more than £40,000, Morningside Primary secured £38,400, Netherton Primary received £19,440, and Cleland and St Mary’s Primaries each get £19,200.
Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: “I’m delighted to see over £8.8m of the Pupil Equity Funding going straight to head teachers. Every child should have the best start in life, regardless of their background. The Pupil Equity Fund is just one of many policies which shows that education and tackling the attainment gap are key priorities for this SNP Government.”
Alex Neil, MSP for Shotts, added: “The role schools play in giving children the support they need is absolutely vital.
That is why it is right that this significant investment to close the povertyrelated attainment gap goes straight to head teachers – giving those with the most intimate knowledge of their schools the ability to develop initiatives to benefit children.”