1. Help for families during holidays

    ‘Extra Time’ partnership providing vital support.

  2. National Islands Plan: annual report 2023

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.

  3. Building a New Scotland: Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland

    This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for Education and Lifelong Learning in an independent Scotland.

  4. Building a New Scotland: education and lifelong learning in Scotland - easy read

    Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland.

  5. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response - child-friendly version

    This report explains how the Scottish Government (SG) is responding to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s concluding observations. These were published in 2023. This document will tell you about some of the things we are doing to make things better for children and their families in Scotland

  6. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response

    This report sets out the Scottish Government’s (SG) initial response to the UN Committee’s Concluding Observations. It outlines the progress made in relation to children’s rights in Scotland since the publication of the Position Statement of November 2022

  7. Additional funding for early learning and childcare staff

    Investing in Scotland’s childcare workforce.

  8. Funded early learning and childcare (ELC) - setting sustainable rates 2024 to 2025: guidance

    The guidance sets out how the commitment for childcare workers delivering funded early learning and childcare (ELC) in private and third sector services to be paid at least £12 per hour from April 2024 will be delivered through the sustainable rates setting process in 2024 to 2025.

  9. Child and parental wellbeing: measuring outcomes and understanding their relation with poverty

    Enhancing wellbeing is a crucial element of supporting the lives of children, young people and families living in poverty. This report represents a first step in assessing wellbeing outcomes and understanding their relation with poverty for low income families.

  10. Baby box delivers savings for families

    Continued cost of living support for parents.

  11. Child protection learning and development 2024: national framework

    Framework to support multi-agency learning and development relevant to child protection in Scotland. This highlights key learning for all workforces according to the level of responsibility they have for child protection.

  12. Scottish Languages Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment

    Business and regulatory impact assessment for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation which seeks to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  13. Scottish Languages Bill: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation which seeks to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  14. Early learning and childcare - sustainable rates for funded providers: overview 2023 to 2024

    Sets out information provided by local authorities on the sustainable rates they have set for providers in the private, third and childminding sectors to deliver funded ELC in line with guidance published for setting these sustainable rates.

  15. Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh

    This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.

  16. Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh

    The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.

  17. National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read

    Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.

  18. National Good Food Nation Plan

    The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.

  19. National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation

    We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.

  20. Early learning and childcare (ELC): provision for 1 and 2 year olds in Scotland

    Summary of mapping work to understand current ELC provision in Scotland.

  21. Rural Scotland Data Dashboard: Overview

    This report accompanies the Rural Scotland Data Dashboard which presents data on a range of issues that impact rural Scotland. The report synthesises the data included in the dashboard into a broader picture of successes, challenges and trends in rural Scotland.

  22. Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation

    We are committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how we can do this.

  23. Scottish Languages Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty summary

    Fairer Scotland Duty Summary for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  24. Scottish Languages Bill: island communities impact assessment

    Island communities impact assessment for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  25. Scottish Languages Bill: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation which seeks to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  26. Early learning and childcare: sustainable rates review

    A joint Scottish Government and COSLA evidence-based review of the approach to setting sustainable rates for childcare providers in the private, third and childminding sector to deliver funded early learning and childcare in 2022 to 2023.

  27. Historic forced adoption - scoping study: research findings

    A summary of findings from research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.

  28. Historic forced adoption - scoping study: service delivery paper

    Research report identifying critical factors to consider when designing services for people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.

  29. Historic forced adoption - scoping study: final report

    Research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.

  30. Early child development transformational change programme

    Improving early child development by bringing together a programme to provide oversight and better integration of policies. These will focus on prevention, the importance of pre-birth and early years across all policy areas and identify policy and implementation gaps, informed by current evidence.

  31. Education: National Improvement Framework and improvement plan 2024

    Sets out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.

  32. Scottish Household Survey 2022: Key Findings

    Selected findings from the 2022 Scottish Household Survey, organised by topic area.

  33. Funding Follows The Child and The National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare Providers: Operating Guidance

    This document sets out how the Funding Follows the Child approach operates, including how settings meet the National Standard criteria and the role of local authorities in delivering the approach.

  34. School age childcare: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment(CRWIA) for the school age childcare (SACC) programme.

  35. School age childcare: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the school age childcare (SACC) programme.

  36. Education Bill provisions: consultation

    A consultation on a new national qualifications body and a new approach to inspection of education in Scotland, including elements of the proposed Education Bill.

  37. Early learning and childcare: national induction resource

    Resource developed to support professionals in their induction to delivering early learning and childcare (ELC) – whether that is funded ELC or that which families purchase themselves. It sets out how they can expect employers to support them in their new role.

  38. School age childcare delivery framework

    Sets out our commitment, action areas and the approach we will take over the next two to three years to deliver a system of affordable and accessible school age childcare which will be funded for those families who need it most.

  39. Curam-cloinne Aois-Sgoile Fream-obrach - Gearr-chunntas Gniomhach

    Gaelic version of the executive summary provides a condensed overview of the main School Age Childcare Delivery Framework publication.

  40. School age childcare delivery framework: executive summary (English version)

    Executive summary providing a condensed overview of the main School Age Childcare Delivery Framework publication.

  41. School age childcare delivery framework: island communities impact assessment screening

    The Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) has been completed for the School Age Childcare Delivery Framework 2023 as a supporting measure to determine whether a ICIA is required.

  42. School age childcare delivery framework: child rights and wellbeing screening

    Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) screening has been completed for the School Age Childcare Delivery Framework 2023 as a supporting measure to determine whether a CRWIA is required.

  43. Out to Play - caring for our outdoor spaces

    Guidance to make the most of the outdoor spaces your early learning and childcare settings use and caring for the environment through embedding Learning for Sustainability. This guidance supports practitioners to provide high quality outdoor play experiences.

  44. Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Joint Delivery Board: newsletter

    Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Joint Delivery Board (JDB) newsletter (sixth edition) September 2023.

  45. Pupils with complex additional support needs: research into provision

    The research looked at policy, practice, partnerships and the perspectives of parents, carers, children and young people in Scotland to explore the ways that pupils with complex needs are supported. Resources, staffing, placements and training were emerging themes in all of the enquiry areas.

  46. Pay uplift commitment for Social Care and Childcare Staff

    £12 an hour pledge to help sector.

  47. Growing the economy and tackling poverty

    2023-24 Programme for Government published.  

  48. Childcare expansion to help families

    Support with cost of living pressures.

  49. National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023

    This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.

  50. Scottish Child Payment reaches more than 316,000

    New figures show 13,000 rise in children and young people benefitting

  51. Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland

    Review report and recommendations from the Independent Review of Audiology Services in NHS Scotland. The Review was announced by the Scottish Government in January 2022 in the context of failings in the standards of care provided in the NHS Lothian Paediatrics Services.

  52. Financial Sustainability Health Check of the Childcare Sector in Scotland: Analysis and Evidence

    The Financial Sustainability Health Check has collected evidence on the sustainability of the childcare sector, including the impacts of the costs crisis, pandemic and workforce pressures. This report sets out the detailed evidence and analysis that has informed the Health Check.

  53. Financial Sustainability Health Check of the Childcare Sector in Scotland

    This update of the Financial Sustainability Health Check has collected evidence on the sustainability of the childcare sector, in particular relating to the impacts of the costs crisis, workforce pressures and the lasting effects of the pandemic.

  54. Outdoor play funding

    Thousands of children to benefit.

  55. National Islands Plan review: consultation

    We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.

  56. National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023

    Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.

  57. School age childcare: national children's charter

    In 2022 and 2023 A Place in Childhood and Scottish Government worked with children in schools across Scotland to design a Charter for school age childcare in Scotland.

  58. Learning for sustainability: action plan 2023 to 2030 - Gaelic translation

    Scotland's learning for sustainability action plan 2023 to 2030 "Target 2030: A movement for people, planet and prosperity " aims to build an inspiring movement for change so every 3 to 18 place of education becomes a sustainable learning setting by 2030.

  59. Learning for sustainability: action plan 2023 to 2030

    Scotland's learning for sustainability action plan 2023 to 2030 "Target 2030: A movement for people, planet and prosperity " aims to build an inspiring movement for change so every 3 to 18 place of education becomes a sustainable learning setting by 2030.

  60. Buidheann-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig: Aithisg do Rùnaire a' Chaibineit airson Ionmhas is na h-Eaconamaidh

    Aithisg air molaidhean na Buidhne-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig.

  61. Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic: report

    A report to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy containing the recommendations of the Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic.

  62. Scottish Languages Bill (Gaelic) - Gaelic and Scots commitments: consultation analysis

    'S e an sgrìobhann seo mìneachadh bho thaobh muigh an Riaghaltais den cho-chomhairleachadh a chaidh a chumail air Gàidhlig, Albais is Bile nan Cànan Albannach.

  63. Scottish Languages Bill (Scots version) - Gaelic and Scots commitments: consultation analysis

    External analysis o responses submittit tae the Scots Government's consultation on Gaelic, Scots and a Scots Languages Bill.

  64. Scottish Languages Bill - Gaelic and Scots commitments: consultation analysis

    External analysis of the responses submitted to the Scottish Government's consultation on Gaelic, Scots and a Scottish Languages Bill.

  65. Pupil Equity Funding: national operational guidance 2023

    Guidance to help schools plan how they will most effectively spend their Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) allocation.

  66. Strategic Equity Funding: national operational guidance 2023

    Guidance to support local authorities plan how they will most effectively spend their Strategic Equity funding.

  67. National discussion on education: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the National Discussion on Education.

  68. Tha Gach Neach-ionnsachaidh ann an Alba Cudromach: Ar Deasbad Nàiseanta Geàrr-aithisg

    Deasbad Nàiseanta air Foghlam – geàrr-aithisg

  69. All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: final report

    Final report of the National Discussion on Education.

  70. National discussion on education: island communities impact assessment screening

    Island communities impact assessment screening for the National Discussion on Education.

  71. All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: summary report

    A summary of the final report of the National Discussion on Education.

  72. All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: easy read

    An easy read version of the summary report of the National Discussion on Education.

  73. More than 300,000 children receiving £25 weekly Scottish Child Payment

    Tackling child poverty head on.

  74. More help for more families

    Income thresholds to be removed for Best Start Foods. 

  75. Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.

  76. Scottish Household Survey 2021 - telephone survey: key findings

    A summary of the key findings from the Scottish Household Survey 2021 telephone survey.

  77. Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start

    This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.

  78. Welcome to Scotland: a guide for Service personnel and their families - updated 2023

    Welcome to Scotland is a guide to support service personnel and their families upon their move to Scotland. Due to the moving nature of service personnel and their families they can be transferred to different bases. This booklet gives key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland.

  79. National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.

  80. Experiencing Life Events and Childhood Subjective Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Analysis of Growing Up in Scotland

    The findings of this report are not valid due to an error in the analysis. If you require further information, please email the Growing Up in Scotland mailbox at: GUS@gov.scot.

  81. National Improvement Framework (NIF) and improvement plan 2023: summary

    Summarises the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.

  82. Supporting outdoor play

    Planning reforms to boost play provision.

  83. Early learning and childcare and school age childcare services inspection consultation: SG response

    Scottish Government response to the consultation on inspection of early learning and childcare and school age childcare services in Scotland

  84. Early learning and childcare and school age childcare services inspection: consultation analysis

    The analysis report of the consultation on inspection of early learning and childcare and school age childcare services in Scotland.

  85. Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report - easy read

    Easy read version of an interim report outlines the group’s work so far and provides a summary of possible steps towards a Minimum Income Guarantee.

  86. Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report

    This interim report provides an outline of the group’s work to date towards defining a Minimum Income Guarantee, the context in which the policy is being developed, provide a high-level overview of direction and early thinking towards potential actions.

  87. Renewing Scotland’s play parks

    £50 million investment.

  88. Children and young people's voices matter: progress report - March 2023

    Report on progress made on the actions agreed at the sixth annual meeting of Cabinet members and children and young people on 1 March 2022.

  89. An Toiseach as Fheàrr: Plana ro-innleachdail airson tràth-ionnsachadh agus cùram-chloinne aig aois sgoile airson Alba 2022-26 An Dàmhair 2022

    Gaelic version of plan setting out how we will embed the benefits of our transformational investment in 1140 hours of high quality funded early learning and childcare. It also explains our approach to expanding our childcare offer over the next four years.

  90. Scottish local government finance - Green Book: 2023-2024

    Scottish Local Government Finance Settlement 2023-24: Funding Allocation Formula.

  91. 250,000 Baby Boxes delivered

    Supporting parents with cost of living.

  92. Supporting roots: report

    Report providing a broad picture of the needs of birth parents who have lost a child or children to ‘care’, and of the support and services that are currently available in Scotland. This report is designed to support best practice and service innovation.

  93. Deadline for School Age Payment approaches

    Families urged to make sure they don't miss out

  94. Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers

    The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.

  95. Parents back funded Early Learning and Childcare

    Independent survey shows benefits to children and families.

  96. Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland 2022

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  97. Supporting children and families

    Early learning and childcare savings.

  98. Help with school age childcare

    £1 million to support low-income families.

  99. Best Start - strategic early learning and school age childcare plan 2022 to 2026

    The plan sets out how we will embed the benefits of our transformational investment in 1140 hours of high quality funded early learning and childcare. It also explains our approach to expanding our childcare offer over the next four years.

  100. Record number of pupils in good condition schools

    Statistics show impact of investment.

  101. Cost Crisis Programme for Government

    Scottish Child Payment increased from 14 November.

  102. Celebrating five years of the Baby Box

    Revamp ahead of scheme’s milestone.

  103. National Discussion on education

    Invitation to work together to drive change.

  104. Family Nurse Partnerships

    Success of 10 year programme

  105. Childcare savings for families

    Easing cost of living pressures.

  106. Free outdoor play activities

    Supporting children’s wellbeing.

  107. Investment in tackling child poverty

    Supporting low income households.

  108. New Bairns’ Hoose appointment

    Post will drive improvements for children.

  109. Doubling the Scottish Child Payment

    First Minister announces £20 payment from April.

  110. 200,000 Baby Boxes delivered

    Milestone for popular scheme.

  111. Childcare savings for families

    Transformational offer helping thousands across the country.

  112. Boost for family budgets before Christmas

    Around 148,000 children set to benefit.

  113. Scottish Child Payment helps more than 108,000 children

    New Child poverty benefit pays out £17.6 million to families in need

  114. Backing for Baby Box

    Parents praise scheme on its fourth anniversary.

  115. Increasing free early learning and childcare

    Transformational offer to benefit families across the country.

  116. Early learning and childcare: statutory guidance - July 2021

    Statutory guidance to education authorities to support them in exercising their functions in relation to the delivery of early learning and childcare from 1 August 2021.

  117. Early learning and childcare expansion

    More children receiving 1,140 funded hours.

  118. Education recovery: next steps

    SQA and Education Scotland to be reformed.

  119. Best Start Grant boost for parents

    Financial support for school costs and healthy foods.  

  120. Enhanced summer offer for all children

    A national “summer of play” to provide access to activities.

  121. Early learning and childcare - Out to Play: guidance for out of school care providers - section 10

    Supplementary chapter 10 should be used alongside the main Out to Play document to support the delivery of outdoor experiences in Out of School Care settings.

  122. Early learning and childcare - Out to Play: childminding settings - guidance - section 9

    Guidance and advice for childminding settings on how to access outdoor spaces to create safe, nurturing and high quality outdoor learning experiences.

  123. Early learning and childcare - Out to Play: guidance for practitioners supporting children with additional support needs - section 11

    Supplementary guidance (section 11) should be used alongside the main Out to Play document to support the delivery of outdoor experiences for children in early learning and childcare (ELC) with additional support needs.

  124. Nature-based early learning and childcare - influence on children's health, wellbeing and development: literature review

    This review of global evidence aimed to understand the extent to which nature-based early learning and childcare (ELC) influences young children’s physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development

  125. First families receive Scottish Child Payments

    52,000 applications approved.

  126. Increased support for childminders

    Payments will support business sustainability.

  127. Back to school

    Phased return for some pupils.

  128. 56,000 parents apply for Scottish Child Payment

    Thousands have applied for the new payment for children aged under six

  129. 40,000 Baby Boxes delivered

    Support for new parents.

  130. Support for outdoor play and learning

    New £1 million children’s winter clothing fund.

  131. Deferring entry to primary one

    Local authorities to pilot extra funded childcare from 2021.

  132. Early learning and childcare access in a deferred year: joint implementation plan

    Joint Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) plan for funded early learning and childcare places for all children who defer their primary one start.

  133. New benefits help families

    Report shows positive impact of Best Start Grant payments.

  134. Childcare expansion from August 2021

    New date for flagship policy announced.

  135. Nursery rate relief extended until 2023

    Further support announced for childcare sector.

  136. Out of school care - draft framework: consultation analysis

    This is the summary report of the 2019 consultation on the draft framework for Out of School Care in Scotland. It will inform the final Framework and provide evidence for future development of School Age Childcare policy.

  137. Early learning and childcare: induction resource

    This induction resource provides new ELC employees with all the relevant information they need on what to expect in their first few months in post, including the most up-to-date resources and best practice.

  138. Boost for Scottish youth work

    New fund to help education recovery from COVID-19.

  139. Scottish Child Payment could support up to 194,000 children

    Forecasts suggest around 24,000 additional children will qualify

  140. Help for childcare providers

    Transitional Support Fund opens to help protect from COVID-19.

  141. Funding boost for science centres

    Extra £2m to mitigate the impact of  COVID-19.

  142. Families to be alerted to additional financial support

    A first for social security in Scotland.

  143. Support for childcare sector

    Transitional Support Fund announced.

  144. Reopening childcare safely

    Guidance published for nurseries and other settings.

  145. Wellbeing of pupils to be prioritised

    Guidance for education authorities and teachers published for next academic year.

  146. Outdoor learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Funding for Virtual Nature School.

  147. Schools to re-open in August

    Safe return planned through mix of school and home learning.

  148. Easter childcare for key workers

    Hubs to remain open over the spring break.

  149. Early Learning and Childcare expansion

    Local authorities’ August 2020 deadline to deliver 1140 funded hours will be removed.

  150. Childcare provision for key workers

    Criteria provided to local authorities to determine local need.

  151. Update on school closures and exams

    Exams will not go ahead, teaching, learning and support can continue with local flexibility.

  152. School and nursery closures

    Education Secretary to make statement to Parliament tomorrow.

  153. STEM Bursaries increased

    Latest STEM Bursary Scheme opens for applications on Monday 16 March.

  154. Supporting parents

    Tackling poverty through family learning.

  155. Reducing inequity in STEM subjects

    Inspiring people of all ages to upskill and tackle the global climate emergency.

  156. Delivering for Scotland’s children

    Early learning and childcare expansion on track with six months to go.

  157. Out to Play - creating outdoor play experiences for children: practical guidance

    Guidance and advice for early learning and childcare settings and practitioners on how to access outdoor spaces to create safe, nurturing and inspiring outdoor learning experiences.

  158. Protecting family budgets

    Putting wellbeing at the centre of Budget.

  159. Learning in STEM in early years

    New online module launched to support staff development.

  160. 170,000 children eligible for new benefit

    Applications will be taken in advance for Scottish Child Payment to help with expected high demand.

  161. Early Learning and Childcare expansion

    Families can now enrol children for funded places for August.

  162. 45,000 Baby Boxes delivered in 2019

    Parents and new-borns across Scotland benefitting.

  163. Early learning and childcare

    Increase in number of children receiving additional funded hours.

  164. First step to new Scottish Child Payment

    Plans for the creation of new benefit outlined.

  165. Early years expansion

    Thousands of children already benefiting from additional hours.

  166. Training for childminders

    New online learning resource to be launched.      

  167. The right help at the right time in the right place: strategy for the learning provision for children and young people with complex additional support needs 2017-2026

    This ten year strategy sits within the context of our other policies and strategies to improve the learning outcomes for children and young people with complex additional support needs living in Scotland.

  168. Scottish Child Payment ahead of schedule

    Eligible families to start receiving new benefit next year.

  169. Out of school care parent survey: report

    Details the views of parents/carers of five to 13 year old children regarding out of school care, including term-time and holiday care.

  170. Best Start Grant pays out nearly £13 million

    Families getting more support under new system.

  171. New fund for after school and holiday childcare

    Fund will deliver accessible and affordable childcare to support families on low incomes.

  172. Nurseries praised for innovation

    New awards recognise Early Learning and Childcare success.

  173. Breastfeeding support ‘strong’

    Report publishes during Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

  174. New School Payment launches

    Full Best Start Grant package now available.

  175. Best start grant for young asylum seekers

    Pregnancy and baby benefit will not jeopardise immigration status.

  176. Early Learning and Childcare expansion programme

    New initiative will boost quality of childcare.  

  177. Best Start Grant applications flood in

    Social Security Secretary welcomes interest in new benefit.

  178. Meeting the social security challenge

    Work to do but plans in place to deliver benefits system.

  179. New benefit pays out £3.5 million in first three months

    More than 9,700 families receive Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby payment.

  180. New Best Start Grant Payment to open

    £250 benefit starts Monday and will be fourth new social security benefit.

  181. Families and community learning

    Funding to improve the lives of children and young people.

  182. Presumption to provide education in a mainstream setting: guidance

    Guidance to education authorities on their duty to provide education in a mainstream setting unless certain exceptions apply.

  183. ‘Ready Steady Baby’ guidance updated

    New edition of NHS Scotland’s guide to pregnancy, labour and birth.

  184. Upgraded PlayTalkRead roadshow fleet

    Roadshow visitors increase 31% in the last year.

  185. A meal for every child at funded early learning and childcare sessions

    Major new Scottish Government scheme delivers healthy food, outdoor play & living wage in childcare.

  186. Olivia and Jack are Scotland's top baby names

    National Records of Scotland reveals most popular names for 2018. 

  187. Schools in Scotland and CfE Achievement

    National and Official (Experimental - Data under development) Statistics Publications for Scotland.

  188. Encouraging more men into childcare

    New fund for pilot projects.

  189. More support for parents

    New engagement plan to improve links between home and school.

  190. Museum spot for Baby Box

    Box will be placed into childhood exhibition.

  191. Baby Box birthday

    A year since the first delivery.

  192. Improved anti-bullying measures

    Incidents to be recorded.

  193. Pilot to end upfront childcare deposits

    Parents set to benefit from new trial.

  194. Childcare recruitment underway

    New campaign focusing on career changers.

  195. Almost a billion pounds to fully fund childcare

    Funding package agreed in partnership with COSLA.

  196. Family nurses helping to deliver

    More than 30,000 Baby Boxes now received.

  197. Learning outdoors

    More than £860k to increase outdoor learning in the early years.

  198. Early years apprentices

    Increases to fuel roll-out of funded childcare.

  199. 2018: Baby boxes

    First baby boxes of the new year delivered.

  200. Christmas Maths Challenge

    DFM launches festive puzzles.

  201. Ticking all the right boxes

    100% of parents satisfied with Baby Box and contents.

  202. Scotland’s Budget

    Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy.

  203. New Minister for Childcare and Early Years

    First Minister to appoint Maree Todd.

  204. Improving attainment in early years

    High quality childcare improves children’s development.

  205. Support for first-time mums

    Family Nurse Partnership to be extended.

  206. Childcare spending to double to £840 million a year

    Huge expansion of free early learning and childcare.

  207. Improving children's oral health

    Childsmile programme expands.

  208. Scotland: a Daily Mile Nation

    All Scottish schools encouraged to take part.

  209. Baby Box registrations reach 10,000

    High number of parents already registered to receive a Baby Box.

  210. New visitor centre at Glenochil Prison

    Formal opening for visitor centre.

  211. Parents get involved in Stay, Play and Learn

    Trial Aberdeen childcare scheme underway.

  212. Giving children space to grow

    New guide to improve childcare settings.

  213. Future of childcare provision

    Minister confirms quality and choice at heart of new funding model for ELC expansion.

  214. Accessible childcare

    FM announces fund to improve access to free ELC entitlement.

  215. Fair pay at heart of childcare expansion

    8,000 childcare staff to earn the living wage.

  216. Independent review of Scotland's early learning and out of school care workforces

    An independent review of the skills and qualifications essential for the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) and Out of School Care (OSC) workforces in Scotland.

  217. The Early Years Framework

    Steps the Scottish Government, local partners and practitioners in early years services need to take to give all children in Scotland the best start in life.

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