Question reference: S5W-35354
- Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 19 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 1 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of all funding committed specifically towards assisting pupils in catching up on lost learning.
Answer
We know that Covid is affecting the learning of all children and young people, and we have published an Equity Audit examining the particular impact on children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This government is also investing £182m in the Scottish Attainment Challenge in 2021-22, including £127m in Pupil Equity Funding to support those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This builds on the £750m investment in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the course of this Parliament.
Specific funding committed as part of a longer-term programme up to 2021-22 to enable children to catch-up on missed education includes:
- £105m for additional teachers and other support staff
- £90m to help offset the additional costs required to implement protection measures and support safe, open and welcoming schools
- £25m devices & connectivity
- £51m for free school meal alternatives during remote learning and school holidays
- £45m support for schools and families
- £60m education recovery funding to support and accelerate learning recovery