Early education and care
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International review of approaches to tackling child poverty: Comparative summary report and key learnings for Scotland
A summary of the evidence on historical approaches to tackling child poverty in Finland, Denmark, Slovenia and Croatia, with the key learnings for policy makers in Scotland.
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International review of approaches to tackling child poverty: Denmark
A historical review of evidence on Denmark's approach to tackling child poverty, drawing out the key lessons for Scotland.
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International review of approaches to tackling child poverty: Finland
A historical review of evidence on Finland's approach to tackling child poverty, drawing out the key lessons for Scotland.
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International review of approaches to tackling child poverty: Croatia
A historical review of evidence on Croatia's approach to tackling child poverty, drawing out the key lessons for Scotland.
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International review of approaches to tackling child poverty: Slovenia
A historical review of evidence on Slovenia's approach to tackling child poverty, drawing out the key lessons for Scotland.
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Delivering for Scotland
First Minister to publish Programme for Government.
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Climate change - public engagement strategy: mid-point review
The climate change public engagement strategy committed to a review at the mid-point of delivery. The review provides a summary of activities delivered since the publication of the strategy, reflects on the approach being taken and recommends improvements to achieve objectives in future delivery.
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Early learning and childcare - sustainable rates for funded providers: overview 2024 to 2025
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.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2024
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 2024 reporting year.
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Play: vision statement and action plan 2025 to 2030
Vision statement and action plan designed to reflect the vision of play for Scotland for the next five years and the steps we will take within that time to achieve our vision and aim.
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Play: vision statement and action plan 2025 to 2030 - children's version
A children's version of Scotland's vision statement and action plan, designed to reflect the vision of play for Scotland for the next five years and the steps we will take within that time to achieve our vision and aim.
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Improving outdoor play
£25 million for play park renewal.
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Highlighting help on National Single Parents Day (21 March)
One Parent Families Scotland and Social Security Scotland link-up
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Home education guidance: island communities impact assessment
Impact assessment carried out to consider the potential impact of the home education guidance on island communities.
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Home education guidance: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment carried out to consider the potential impacts of the home education guidance.
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Home education guidance updates: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Impact assessment to consider the potential impact of the home education guidance on children's rights and wellbeing.
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Funded early learning and childcare 2025-2026: guidance for setting sustainable rates
Updated guidance to support local authorities to set sustainable rates in 2025-26 for the delivery of funded early learning and childcare (ELC). The guidance sets out a consistent and transparent approach for passing the additional £9.7 million funding for the real Living Wage uplift to providers.
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Scotland's children's services plans 2023-2026 review: improving outcomes for children, young people and families
Review of children's services plans for 2023 to 2026, in line with Part 3 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. This report presents key findings from the review of Scotland’s 30 Children’s Services Plans (CSPs) which cover the planning cycle for 2023 to 2026.
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Deadline approaches for School Age Payment applications
Parents and carers urged not to miss out on support worth over £300
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Education and skills - National Improvement Framework 2025: improvement plan
The 2025 improvement plan provides the full details of the actions that will be taken to deliver the seven outcomes set out in the 2025 National Improvement Framework, the evidence to support them, and how we will measure progress.
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Education and skills - National Improvement Framework plan 2024: update on activity
Sets out progress on existing actions from the 2024 National Improvement Framework and improvement plan from across the education and skills landscape.
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A decade of care: A corporate parenting update from Scottish Ministers 2021 - 2024
Third report on corporate parenting by Scottish Ministers. In this report, we set out how Scottish Ministers have fulfilled their duties as a corporate parent from 2021 to 2024, to support and improve outcomes for children and young people with care experience.
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The Promise Story of Progress: How is Scotland doing in its progress towards keeping the promise?
A national report co-authored by COSLA, The Scottish Government and The Promise Scotland, presenting the shared approach to understanding progress towards keeping The Promise.
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Education - achieving excellence and equity: National Improvement Framework 2025
Sets out the vision, key priorities and educational outcomes for children and young people.
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Verity House Agreement: stocktake - one year on
The Verity House Agreement sets out the Scottish Government and local government’s vision for a more collaborative approach to delivering our shared priorities. One year on from its launch, we reflect on the progress related to its operation.
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Human rights of children in Scotland: report - child friendly version
Child friendly/easy read version of our action plan 2021 to 2024 progress report.
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Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland: update report 2021-2024
This report provides an update on the delivery of commitments outlined in our action plan ‘Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland: action plan 2021 to 2024’.
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Whole Family Wellbeing Funding Programme - CRWIA
Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) for the Whole Family Wellbeing Funding Programme.
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Whole Family Wellbeing Funding Programme - EQIA
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the Whole Family Wellbeing Funding Programme
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Whole Family Wellbeing Funding Programme - ICIA
Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) for the Whole Family Wellbeing Funding Programme.
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Additional Support for Learning review - action plan: third progress report - easy read
Progress report from the Scottish Government and COSLA providing an update on work undertaken since November 2022 and summarising the actions to be taken to deliver the recommendations from the review of implementation of additional support for learning.
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Additional Support for Learning review - action plan: third progress report
Progress report from the Scottish Government and COSLA providing an update on work undertaken since November 2022 and summarising the actions to be taken to deliver the recommendations from the review of implementation of additional support for learning.
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Additional Support for Learning review: action plan - update
An updated Additional Support for Learning (ASL) action plan, setting out the progress made since November 2022, to deliver against the recommendations made by the review of implementation of additional support for learning.
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Setting the Table Guidance: Nutritional Technical Working Group Report
Report of the Technical Working Group on the review of nutrient, food and drink standards for children aged 1 up to 5 years.
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Setting the Table Guidance: Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
The BRIA aims to help to assess the likely costs, benefits and risks of any proposed primary or secondary legislation, voluntary regulation, codes of practice, policy changes or guidance that may have an impact on the public, private or third sector in connection with publication of updated STT .
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Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme and the Scottish School Milk Scheme: data collection
Analysis of data collected on the operation of the Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme and local authority school milk schemes to support the new Scottish School Milk Subsidy Scheme.
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£57 million paid to families to help with food shop
People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card
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Setting the Table Guidance
Nutritional Standards and Practical Guidance for Early Learning and Childcare Providers in Scotland. Childcare services providing food and/or drinks to children 0-5 years, and are registered with Care Inspectorate, will be responsible for the implementation of this guidance.
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Setting the Table Guidance: Island Communities Impact Assessment
This impact assessment considers the impact of updated Setting the Table guidance on the island communities.
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Cothrom air Mathas: Slatan-tomhais Beathachaidh is Stiùireadh Practaigeach airson Luchd-solair Tràth-ionnsachaidh is Cùraim-chloinne ann an Alba Geàrr-chunntas
Slatan-tomhais Beathachaidh is Stiùireadh Practaigeach airson Luchd-solair Tràth-ionnsachaidh is Cùraim-chloinne ann an Alba Geàrr-chunntas.
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Setting the Table Guidance: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
This impact assessment considers the impacts of the updated Setting the Table Guidance on the children from most socio- economic disadvantage.
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Setting the Table Guidance: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
This Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) was undertaken to consider the potential impacts of updating the Setting the Table guidance document on the rights and wellbeing of all children aged 0-5 in ELC settings across Scotland.
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Setting the Table Guidance: Equality Impact Assessment
This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was undertaken to consider the impact of the updated Setting the Table Guidance on people with protected characteristics.
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National Islands Plan: Implementation Route Map 2024
Details how we will deliver our priorities over the lifetime of the National Islands Plan. It identifies the methods to monitor progress towards fulfilling the many commitments in the Plan and sets out timescales for delivery of our work.
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Improving the Lives of Scotland's Gypsy/ Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026 - easy read
Easy read version of the second joint action plan by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
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Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026
Second joint action plan by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: children's version
Children's version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029. This version can be used to support learning and sets out the actions the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Keeping The Promise to our children, young people and families: progress update 2024
In March 2022 we published our Promise implementation plan. Two years on, this update provides a status report on progress so far.
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Protecting Gaelic and Scots
Scottish Languages Bill passes first stage.
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Children and Young People Affected by a Family Member in Prison or Secure Care: Final Report of Short-Life Group
Explores the impact on children and young people when a family member is in prison or secure care, and makes recommendations for improvement.
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Celebrating three years of funded childcare
Helping children get the best start in life.
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Realistic Medicine - Taking Care: Chief Medical Officer for Scotland annual report 2023 to 2024
This is the Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith's fourth annual report, and the eighth report on Realistic Medicine. The overarching aim of Realistic Medicine is to deliver better value care for patients, and for our health and care system.
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Children's hearings redesign - policy proposals: consultation
Consultation on the redesign of Scotland’s children’s hearings system to build on its strengths so that it can deliver the best possible experience to the children and families in need of its support. It focusses on areas which may require changes to the law.
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Scottish Child Payment and the labour market
This publication presents Scottish Government analysis of how Scottish Child Payment interacts with the labour market in Scotland including how it impacts labour market decisions of its clients.
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Milestone for children’s rights
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Act commences.
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Education reform legislation published
New qualifications body and independent inspectorate to be established.
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Education (Scotland) Bill: strategic environment assessment - pre-screening notification
Strategic environment assessment (SEA) pre-screening notification for the Education (Reform) Bill.
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Education Bill: consultation analysis - Gaelic
Tionndadh Gàidhlig den Sgrùdadh Neo-eisimeileach aig Wellside air freagairtean don co-chomhairleachadh air Bile an Fhoghlaim (Alba), a chaidh a choimiseanadh le Riaghaltas na h-Alba.
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Education Bill: consultation analysis
The independent analysis by Wellside of responses to the consultation on the Education (Scotland) Bill, commissioned by the Scottish Government.
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Education (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
The business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the Education (Scotland) Bill.
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Education (Scotland) Bill: fairer Scotland duty summary
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA) for the Education (Reform) Bill.
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Education (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Education (Reform) Bill.
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Education (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment(CRWIA) for the Education (Reform) Bill.
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Education (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the Education (Reform) Bill.
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Education (Scotland) Bill: data protection impact assessment
Data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for the Education (Reform) Bill.
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Recruiting and retaining childminders
Supporting the Early Learning and Childcare sector.
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Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000: statutory guidance
Statutory guidance covering provisions under the Education (Scotland) Act 2016 which amend the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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Help for families of infants
Cash-first approach to help with infant food insecurity.
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Help for families during holidays
‘Extra Time’ partnership providing vital support.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Additional funding for early learning and childcare staff
Investing in Scotland’s childcare workforce.
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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.
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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.
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Baby box delivers savings for families
Continued cost of living support for parents.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Historic forced adoption - scoping study: final report
Research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.
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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.
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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.
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Scottish Household Survey 2022: Key Findings
Selected findings from the 2022 Scottish Household Survey, organised by topic area.
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Funding Follows The Child and the National Standard for early learning and childcare providers: operating guidance
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.
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School age childcare: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment(CRWIA) for the school age childcare (SACC) programme.
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School age childcare: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the school age childcare (SACC) programme.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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School age childcare delivery framework: executive summary (English version)
Executive summary providing a condensed overview of the main School Age Childcare Delivery Framework publication.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pay uplift commitment for Social Care and Childcare Staff
£12 an hour pledge to help sector.
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Growing the economy and tackling poverty
2023-24 Programme for Government published.
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Childcare expansion to help families
Support with cost of living pressures.
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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.
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Scottish Child Payment reaches more than 316,000
New figures show 13,000 rise in children and young people benefitting
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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.
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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.
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Childcare sector: financial sustainability health check - July 2023
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.
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Outdoor play funding
Thousands of children to benefit.
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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.
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National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pupil Equity Funding: national operational guidance 2023
Guidance to help schools plan how they will most effectively spend their Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) allocation.
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Strategic Equity Funding: national operational guidance 2023
Guidance to support local authorities plan how they will most effectively spend their Strategic Equity funding.
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National discussion on education: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the National Discussion on Education.
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Tha Gach Neach-ionnsachaidh ann an Alba Cudromach: Ar Deasbad Nàiseanta Geàrr-aithisg
Deasbad Nàiseanta air Foghlam – geàrr-aithisg
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All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: final report
Final report of the National Discussion on Education.
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National discussion on education: island communities impact assessment screening
Island communities impact assessment screening for the National Discussion on Education.
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All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: summary report
A summary of the final report of the National Discussion on Education.
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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.
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More than 300,000 children receiving £25 weekly Scottish Child Payment
Tackling child poverty head on.
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More help for more families
Income thresholds to be removed for Best Start Foods.
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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.
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Scottish Household Survey 2021 - telephone survey: key findings
A summary of the key findings from the Scottish Household Survey 2021 telephone survey.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Supporting outdoor play
Planning reforms to boost play provision.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Renewing Scotland’s play parks
£50 million investment.
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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.
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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.
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Scottish local government finance - Green Book: 2023-2024
Scottish Local Government Finance Settlement 2023-24: Funding Allocation Formula.
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250,000 Baby Boxes delivered
Supporting parents with cost of living.
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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.
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Deadline for School Age Payment approaches
Families urged to make sure they don't miss out
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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.
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Parents back funded Early Learning and Childcare
Independent survey shows benefits to children and families.
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Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland 2022
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Supporting children and families
Early learning and childcare savings.
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Help with school age childcare
£1 million to support low-income families.
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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.
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Record number of pupils in good condition schools
Statistics show impact of investment.
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Cost Crisis Programme for Government
Scottish Child Payment increased from 14 November.
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Celebrating five years of the Baby Box
Revamp ahead of scheme’s milestone.
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National Discussion on education
Invitation to work together to drive change.
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Family Nurse Partnerships
Success of 10 year programme
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Childcare savings for families
Easing cost of living pressures.
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Free outdoor play activities
Supporting children’s wellbeing.
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Investment in tackling child poverty
Supporting low income households.
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New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
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Doubling the Scottish Child Payment
First Minister announces £20 payment from April.
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200,000 Baby Boxes delivered
Milestone for popular scheme.
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Childcare savings for families
Transformational offer helping thousands across the country.
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Boost for family budgets before Christmas
Around 148,000 children set to benefit.
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Scottish Child Payment helps more than 108,000 children
New Child poverty benefit pays out £17.6 million to families in need
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Backing for Baby Box
Parents praise scheme on its fourth anniversary.
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Increasing free early learning and childcare
Transformational offer to benefit families across the country.
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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.
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Early learning and childcare expansion
More children receiving 1,140 funded hours.
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Education recovery: next steps
SQA and Education Scotland to be reformed.
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Best Start Grant boost for parents
Financial support for school costs and healthy foods.
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Enhanced summer offer for all children
A national “summer of play” to provide access to activities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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First families receive Scottish Child Payments
52,000 applications approved.
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Increased support for childminders
Payments will support business sustainability.
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Back to school
Phased return for some pupils.
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56,000 parents apply for Scottish Child Payment
Thousands have applied for the new payment for children aged under six
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40,000 Baby Boxes delivered
Support for new parents.
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Support for outdoor play and learning
New £1 million children’s winter clothing fund.
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Deferring entry to primary one
Local authorities to pilot extra funded childcare from 2021.
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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.
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New benefits help families
Report shows positive impact of Best Start Grant payments.
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Childcare expansion from August 2021
New date for flagship policy announced.
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Nursery rate relief extended until 2023
Further support announced for childcare sector.
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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.
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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.
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Boost for Scottish youth work
New fund to help education recovery from COVID-19.
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Scottish Child Payment could support up to 194,000 children
Forecasts suggest around 24,000 additional children will qualify
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Help for childcare providers
Transitional Support Fund opens to help protect from COVID-19.
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Funding boost for science centres
Extra £2m to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
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Families to be alerted to additional financial support
A first for social security in Scotland.
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Support for childcare sector
Transitional Support Fund announced.
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Reopening childcare safely
Guidance published for nurseries and other settings.
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Wellbeing of pupils to be prioritised
Guidance for education authorities and teachers published for next academic year.
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Outdoor learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Funding for Virtual Nature School.
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Schools to re-open in August
Safe return planned through mix of school and home learning.
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Easter childcare for key workers
Hubs to remain open over the spring break.
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Early Learning and Childcare expansion
Local authorities’ August 2020 deadline to deliver 1140 funded hours will be removed.
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Childcare provision for key workers
Criteria provided to local authorities to determine local need.
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Update on school closures and exams
Exams will not go ahead, teaching, learning and support can continue with local flexibility.
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School and nursery closures
Education Secretary to make statement to Parliament tomorrow.
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STEM Bursaries increased
Latest STEM Bursary Scheme opens for applications on Monday 16 March.
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Supporting parents
Tackling poverty through family learning.
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Reducing inequity in STEM subjects
Inspiring people of all ages to upskill and tackle the global climate emergency.
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Delivering for Scotland’s children
Early learning and childcare expansion on track with six months to go.
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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.
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Protecting family budgets
Putting wellbeing at the centre of Budget.
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Learning in STEM in early years
New online module launched to support staff development.
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170,000 children eligible for new benefit
Applications will be taken in advance for Scottish Child Payment to help with expected high demand.
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Early Learning and Childcare expansion
Families can now enrol children for funded places for August.
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45,000 Baby Boxes delivered in 2019
Parents and new-borns across Scotland benefitting.
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Early learning and childcare
Increase in number of children receiving additional funded hours.
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First step to new Scottish Child Payment
Plans for the creation of new benefit outlined.
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Early years expansion
Thousands of children already benefiting from additional hours.
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Training for childminders
New online learning resource to be launched.
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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.
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Scottish Child Payment ahead of schedule
Eligible families to start receiving new benefit next year.
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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.
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Best Start Grant pays out nearly £13 million
Families getting more support under new system.
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New fund for after school and holiday childcare
Fund will deliver accessible and affordable childcare to support families on low incomes.
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Nurseries praised for innovation
New awards recognise Early Learning and Childcare success.
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Breastfeeding support ‘strong’
Report publishes during Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
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New School Payment launches
Full Best Start Grant package now available.
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Best start grant for young asylum seekers
Pregnancy and baby benefit will not jeopardise immigration status.
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Early Learning and Childcare expansion programme
New initiative will boost quality of childcare.
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Best Start Grant applications flood in
Social Security Secretary welcomes interest in new benefit.
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Meeting the social security challenge
Work to do but plans in place to deliver benefits system.
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New benefit pays out £3.5 million in first three months
More than 9,700 families receive Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby payment.
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New Best Start Grant Payment to open
£250 benefit starts Monday and will be fourth new social security benefit.
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Families and community learning
Funding to improve the lives of children and young people.
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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.
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‘Ready Steady Baby’ guidance updated
New edition of NHS Scotland’s guide to pregnancy, labour and birth.
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Upgraded PlayTalkRead roadshow fleet
Roadshow visitors increase 31% in the last year.
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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.
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Olivia and Jack are Scotland's top baby names
National Records of Scotland reveals most popular names for 2018.
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Schools in Scotland and CfE Achievement
National and Official (Experimental - Data under development) Statistics Publications for Scotland.
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Encouraging more men into childcare
New fund for pilot projects.
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More support for parents
New engagement plan to improve links between home and school.
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Museum spot for Baby Box
Box will be placed into childhood exhibition.
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Baby Box birthday
A year since the first delivery.
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Improved anti-bullying measures
Incidents to be recorded.
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Pilot to end upfront childcare deposits
Parents set to benefit from new trial.
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Childcare recruitment underway
New campaign focusing on career changers.
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Almost a billion pounds to fully fund childcare
Funding package agreed in partnership with COSLA.
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Family nurses helping to deliver
More than 30,000 Baby Boxes now received.
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Learning outdoors
More than £860k to increase outdoor learning in the early years.
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Early years apprentices
Increases to fuel roll-out of funded childcare.
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2018: Baby boxes
First baby boxes of the new year delivered.
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Christmas Maths Challenge
DFM launches festive puzzles.
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Ticking all the right boxes
100% of parents satisfied with Baby Box and contents.
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Scotland’s Budget
Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy.
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New Minister for Childcare and Early Years
First Minister to appoint Maree Todd.
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Improving attainment in early years
High quality childcare improves children’s development.
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Support for first-time mums
Family Nurse Partnership to be extended.
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Childcare spending to double to £840 million a year
Huge expansion of free early learning and childcare.
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Improving children's oral health
Childsmile programme expands.
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Scotland: a Daily Mile Nation
All Scottish schools encouraged to take part.
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Baby Box registrations reach 10,000
High number of parents already registered to receive a Baby Box.
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New visitor centre at Glenochil Prison
Formal opening for visitor centre.
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Parents get involved in Stay, Play and Learn
Trial Aberdeen childcare scheme underway.
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Giving children space to grow
New guide to improve childcare settings.
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Future of childcare provision
Minister confirms quality and choice at heart of new funding model for ELC expansion.
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Accessible childcare
FM announces fund to improve access to free ELC entitlement.
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Fair pay at heart of childcare expansion
8,000 childcare staff to earn the living wage.
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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.
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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.