Next steps for Scotland's education recovery outlined

Plans to help Scotland’s education system continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic have been published by the Scottish Government.

The Education Recovery strategy outlines how almost £500 million has been used to support learners and staff across the country, as well as how the Scottish Government will continue to provide ongoing support to the sector.

This includes further support for learners who are sitting exams in 2022; access to in-school mental health and wellbeing support that young people need, including counselling services; and recruiting 3,500 additional teachers and 500 support staff over this parliamentary term.

It also includes the expansion of funded early learning and childcare for children aged 1 and 2, starting with low-income households, and a £1 billion commitment to tackle the poverty related attainment gap and support education recovery

Education Secretary for Scotland Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Our collaborative and ambitious programme of support to aid recovery right across our education sector has been underway for many months.

“Schools are still dealing with the pandemic and we will continue to support them through these challenging time. However, as a Government we must also be focused on recovery. Supporting children and young people remains our top priority, and almost £500 million of additional funding has already been committed during 2020/21 and 2021/22 as part of education recovery. Of this, £240m is to recruit extra staff to ensure resilience and to provide additional support for learners and teachers.

“Other initiatives will play a crucial role, such as the provision of free school breakfasts and lunches all year round for all children in P1-7, digital devices for every child, abolition of fees for instrumental music tuition, removal of core curriculum charges, and our extended early learning and childcare offer.

“Pupils sitting exams in spring 2022 will be offered a package of support, which will include online revision classes and targeted help for those who need it most. At the heart of all of this is our children and young people, who we will ensure have the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential in school and beyond.”