Education drive for looked after children is ‘working’

A £10 million drive to improve the education of looked
after children is already making a significant difference,
according to the Scottish executive.

The money has been distributed to local authorities, which are
expected to spend it on books, equipment and homework materials for
children in care.

The initiative followed a highly critical report in March 2001,
which found that looked after children suffered major educational
disadvantages.

In October 2001 all local authorities across Scotland received
£500 for every child in care in a family setting and
£2,500 for every child looked after in a children’s
residential home.

Minister for education and young people Cathy Jamieson said:
“This funding has made a significant difference to the education
experience of many of our looked after children. It has also
increased their awareness of future career choices.

“Local authorities have invested this money wisely to benefit
children being cared for now and in the future. It is our shared
responsibility to ensure vulnerable looked after children enjoy the
same educational opportunities as other young people,” she
said.

A report on how the funding has been spent so far is available
here