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

Building a New Scotland : Education and Lifelong Learning in Scotland : Easy Read version

Scotland's education system has a long and proud history. It is known around the world for its high standards.

The Scottish Government, local authorities and communities across Scotland support our education system.

Our universities and colleges provide lots of opportunities for people. More people in Scotland have higher education qualifications than people in most other countries in Europe.

Independence would give future Scottish governments more choices than they have just now as part of the UK.

The Scottish Government does not have all the powers to tackle child poverty in ways it might like to.

Future governments of an independent Scotland would have the powers to make different decisions about how to support children and families.

Future governments could choose to spend money on a better system for parental leave and pay for parents. This could include:

• longer paid maternity leave for mothers

• better paternity leave and pay for fathers and partners. More shared parental leave

• improving the leave you are entitled to after a miscarriage

Scotland was the first nation in the UK to strengthen the protection of children's rights by making this a part of our law.

Scotland's 'Getting It Right For Every Child' approach aims to give every child, young person and family the right help, at the right time.

This supports wellbeing so children and young people can reach their full potential.

An independent Scottish Government could go further and give more legal protection to people who have been in care.

Good quality early learning and childcare for pre-school children is important. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds get the most help from these programmes.

We know good quality early learning and childcare for pre-school children helps them with later education, employment, and health.

Scotland's offer of funded early learning and childcare for three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds, doesn't depend on whether their parents or carers are working – unlike in other parts of the UK.

Future Scottish governments of an independent Scotland could do more. They could make different decisions about benefits for children and families.

Scotland's colleges and universities are some of the best in the world. Student support from the Scottish Government helps lots of learners every year.

Future independent governments could make the student loans system more flexible.

An independent Scotland would apply to join the European Union (or EU). As part of the EU we could welcome more students from EU countries to our colleges and universities.

Students would once again be able to take part in the Erasmus+ exchange programme. This programme gave more opportunities for learners in Scotland.