Funding provided for targeted projects
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Programmes to help raise the attainment of care experienced young people are to benefit from £324,000 of funding in Aberdeenshire
Projects as diverse as mentoring programmes and outdoor and play-based education were supported through the Care Experienced Children and Young People fund last year.
Funding was also used to provide looked after children with laptops to support their home learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
Aberdeenshire Council will work with chief social workers and directors of education to decide how this year’s funding will be used.
Care experienced young people from birth up to the age of 26 are eligible for support.
To help mitigate the impact of Covid-19 the authority will have flexibility to redirect some of this funding from existing plans to best support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families, with a continued focus on equity in education.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Improving the education and life chances of all our children and young people is the defining mission of this government.
“The challenges presented by the current pandemic mean that efforts to deliver equity in education are more important than ever.
“We know that there are still many barriers facing young people in care and that they are not always able to access the same opportunities as their peers.
“This funding will help remove those obstacles and allows local authorities to provide targeted help for some of our most disadvantaged pupils.”
North-east MSPs have welcomed the announcement which sees the north-east as a whole get a total of £901,200 split across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Commenting, Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said: “It is really important we ensure care experienced young people are given the best chance in life.
“Enhancing their opportunities through mentor schemes and other educational programmes is a positive step in the right direction as we look to break down some of the barriers they face.
“I am especially pleased a focus has been made on how to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “I am delighted care experienced young people in the north-east will be able to benefit from further funding this year.
“Investment helps to remove obstacles while also allowing local authorities to provide targeted help for those most disadvantaged.
“Improving the education and life chances of all our children and young people is the defining mission of this Scottish Government.”
