More schools than planned, says FM


Another 30 schools are to be built or refurbished as part of the next phase of a £1.25bn scheme, the First Minister announced. The development means the total


number of projects built under the Scottish Schools for the Future programme will rise to more than 60. Alex Salmond told delegates at the SNP annual conference in Inverness that this was 12 more than originally planned. He said: “The overall investment in


will continue to prioritise spend on areas that will directly support jobs and growth. Investing in school infrastructure is part of this work. It is only right that our children are able to reach their full potential in an environment that helps and enhances their learning.’’ So far, 37 school projects have been


Salmond


the school capital project – £1.25bn – is part of the Scottish Futures Trust’s overall £9bn portfolio. These additional projects are entirely possible due to the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure investment in Scotland. “Recent figures reveal that 82


per cent of Scottish school children are now being taught in good


quality buildings. This is a marked improvement from the figure of 62 per cent in 2007 and this third phase of the Scottish Schools for the Future programme will widen access to quality school facilities further still.’’ He added: “However, we want


schools fit for purpose for every child in Scotland and will help local authorities to achieve this aim. We


Music investment announced


The Culture Secretary has announced a further £10m to be invested in a music initiative for young people. The funding for 2012-13 has been


projects every year, covering all music genres. The Government’s previous funding


allocated to the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative which offers children and young people opportunities to get involved in music and is said to support more than 300


commitment to YMI was until March 2012 but today’s announcement will ensure the scheme lasts until at least 2013. It is funded at £10m a year, with £8m coming through Creative Scotland to local authorities and


schools. The initiative means all children in


Scotland get the opportunity of one year’s music tuition by the time they get to primary six, according to the Government. Fiona Hyslop made the announcement when she visited a Feis Rois workshop in traditional music and song in Ullapool.


Families’ fund launch


announced under the programme, 16 secondary, 20 primary and one special school. A working group made up of representatives from the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), Scottish Government and local authorities will be established to focus on issues such as the condition and suitability of school buildings. The SFT is an independent company, established by the Scottish Government in 2008, tasked with improving value for money in public-sector building projects.


Local projects which help families and communities give children the best start in life will benefit from new investment announced by Education Secretary Michael Russell: the Communities and Families Fund will receive £1.5m a year for the next three years to assist local childcare and family support work. Examples of the work that could be supported include parenting and family support, community playgroups and crèches and community-led refurbishment of playgrounds. “We know that parents, families


Russell


and communities have the biggest positive impact on children in their earliest years,” said Russell. “This fund will support projects that bring real, tangible, benefits for those children and their families. Giving our youngsters the best start in life and paving the way for successful futures. “This fund will allow communities


to bid for a share of the £4.5 million available over the next three years to invest in local projects. We know that sometimes small changes in a community can make a big difference. We want to empower our communities to shape the provision they need in their local area.”


Making the Child’s Right to Play a Reality in Scotland


Play Scotland is the national body in Scotland which campaigns for the child’s right to play and works to promote the importance of play for all our children and young people.


Play Scotland is seeking to build on the priority given to Play, by calling on the Scottish Government to place a statutory duty on local authorities to provide sufficient and stimulating play opportunities for all our children and young people.


Play Scotland is launching ‘Getting it Right for Play’ – a toolkit to help local authorities improve the design and provision of spaces and places for children of all ages to feel safe and confident playing out in sight and sound of their local community. See website for details:- www.playscotland.org


Play Scotland Midlothian Innovation Centre, Pentlandfield, Roslin EH25 9RE Tel: 0131 440 9070 Fax: 0131 440 9071


Email: info@playscotland.org Web: www.playscotland.org Company Number: 017885 Scottish Charity Number: SC029167 Registered at the above address


31 October 2011 / Holyrood / 5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32