Support of over £2,600 available through pregnancy and early parenthood
The birth of a new baby can put financial pressure on household budgets, but there’s a wide range of financial support available from the Scottish Government to ensure children have the best start in life. Families receiving Universal Credit or certain benefits could be eligible to more than £2,600 in financial support during pregnancy and […]
Lunchbox Little Wins
Back-to-school lunches can quickly become a daily battle between what you know they should eat and what will actually come home with an empty wrapper. Lily Payen’s Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is packed with more than 100 practical ideas designed with little appetites in mind.We’ve picked two fun, fuss-free recipes to try: Pizza Bagel […]
Training support for up to 2,400 parents
Up to 2,400 parents will be able to access training at colleges across Scotland to enter or progress in work. As part of the Scottish Government’s mission to eradicate child poverty, a total of £10 million is being invested in the college sector through the Raising Income through Skills and Education (RISE) initiative. This helps […]
Leadership training to empower headteachers
Training opportunities for school leaders will continue to be supported by the Scottish Government helping develop leadership skills, improve job satisfaction and benefit pupils and staff. The Scottish Government is providing £395,000 to the Head Teachers’ Leadership Academies (HTLA), run by Columba 1400, which will be matched by the Hunter Foundation. This brings total Scottish […]
Independent review of maternity services begins
A nationwide review of Scotland’s maternity services begins today, examining how care can be improved for women, babies and families. Chaired by maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt, the independent review will take a whole-system approach, drawing on data, evidence and the direct experiences of women, families and staff at every level of […]
Royal visit shines spotlight on life-changing support at Aberdeenshire Bairns Hoose
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has visited the Aberdeenshire Bairns’ Hoose, a space designed by children and young people to support child victims and witnesses of abuse, neglect, violence or trauma. During the visit, Her Royal Highness met with children, parents and carers at the space which aims to bring all the services a […]
Winter heating help for over 1 million people
An estimated 1.4 million payments will be made to people across Scotland to help with heating their homes this winter, with payments set to begin from October. The Scottish Government’s unique package of winter heating benefits provides guaranteed support to pensioners, low-income households and families with disabled children and young people. Pension Age Winter […]
Giving communities a bigger say in climate action
A new blueprint sets out how people across Scotland can play a bigger part in the country’s response to the climate and nature crisis. The Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature aims to enable people to understand what climate change means for them, encourage local action and ensure people’s voices shape the decisions that […]
The Walker Family Share Sophie’s Story This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Phenomenal, vibrant, generous, funny, full of life and absolutely unforgettable is how the Walker family want people to remember their beautiful daughter, Sophie. Sophie was born on 25 November, 2006 alongside her twin sister Megan, one of 10 children to Rebecca and James Walker. She sadly passed away in 2024 at the age of 17. […]
Record Support for Pupils
The highest number of school pupils since records began are attending schools in good or satisfactory condition and receiving free school meals following sustained investment from the Scottish Government and councils. The latest figures show that the proportion of schools in good or satisfactory condition in 2026 has increased to 93.1%, up from last year’s […]
Balancing Boundaries and Belonging: Navigating Scottish Government Guidance on Consequences
The conversation around behaviour in Scottish schools has reached a critical juncture. For teachers on the ground, the daily reality often feels like a painful squeeze. On one side, headlines report a rise in complex, post-pandemic behavioural challenges and increasing staff burnout. On the other hand, high-level policy insists on absolute adherence to children’s rights. […]
Seven Everyday Essentials for a More Focused School Day
When classroom concentration dips, the usual response may be to buy new stationery or introduce a stricter study timetable. However, hydration, sleep, food, movement and a child’s surroundings can also affect how prepared they feel to learn. Yusuf Okhai, Managing Director at ION8, says physical and emotional preparation should not be overlooked. “A student’s environment and […]