More than 90,000 primary school pupils will be entitled to new free school meal support in term time. The Scottish Government and local authority partners have reached agreement to introduce universal free school lunches for primary 4 and 5 children and targeted support during school holidays for all eligible primaryRead More →
Key national agencies Education Scotland (ES) and the SQA will be reformed as part of ambitious plans for Scotland’s education recovery. Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the role, remit and purpose of both organisations will be considered, as well as their functions and governance arrangements. Ms Somerville announced the reformsRead More →
Financial support for school costs and healthy foods. Low income parents are being encouraged to apply for the financial support they are eligible for. This year’s Best Start Grant School Age Payment opened yesterday (1 June) to families who get tax credits or certain other benefits and have a childRead More →
The Children’s Commissioners of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have today published a letter they have sent to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions calling for an end to the two-child limit on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit. In the letter, the Commissioners state that the policy,Read More →
People will be able to hug their loved ones and meet in private homes as most of mainland Scotland moves to Level 2, with eased restrictions on hospitality, entertainment, education and sport. In an acceleration of previous plans, the number of people and households that can meet inside homes inRead More →
A number of key council services in Edinburgh, including libraries, community centres and galleries, will shortly reopen following the move to Level 3 in Scotland earlier this week. Plans have been developed to prioritise the reopening of these venues in line with the Scottish Government’s current guidance and route map outRead More →
Everyone in Scotland can now access rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, even if they have no symptoms. Free lateral flow home test kits are available for pick up without an appointment from many local walk-in or drive-through test sites from 3.30pm each day, or by ordering online or by phone, forRead More →
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced details of the further relaxation of restrictions across Scotland. From Monday 26 April, hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with tourist accommodation. Non-essential retail outlets and close contact services such as beauty salons can also reopen, in addition toRead More →
This easing of restrictions has been brought forward allowing six people from six households to meet outdoors from this Friday (16 April). Travel within Scotland for outdoor socialising, recreation and exercise will also be allowed from the same date. However, people must continue to stay local for other purposes suchRead More →
Nearly all pupils will return to full-time school when the Easter holidays end. However, children who are on the shielding list are advised to stay at home until 26 April, in line with advice from the Chief Medical Officer. All other pupils, will return to school once the summer termRead More →