The number of hours nursery children spend outdoors is set to increase, Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Maree Todd, has announced. Inspiring Scotland will receive £862,550 to encourage and support greater use of outdoor learning in the early years. Continue reading Funding boost for outdoor learning
Integration initiative delayed indefinitely
The Joint Programme Board overseeing the integration of British Transport Police (BTP) in Scotland into Police Scotland has agreed to review the timetable. A longer timetable will allow for enhanced engagement with officers, staff and their representatives on key issues, including pay and conditions. Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has expressed disappointment at the delay, but the news has been welcomed by opposition parties at Holyrood. Continue reading Transport Police plan hits the buffers
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon saw some of the innovative work being carried out to raise attainment in Scotland’s schools yesterday and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to reducing inequality . Continue reading First Minister: “Number one priority is to raise school attainment”
More than two thirds of income taxpayers will pay less tax next year on their current income, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has confirmed as MSPs prepare to debate proposals to reform income tax in Scotland. Continue reading Finance Secretary: Income tax reforms will benefit lowest earners
The public spending watchdog has questioned government plans to fund increased nursery provision in Scotland. The Accounts Commission says in a new report (below) there is a “significant risk” councils will not be able to resource the government’s ambitious plan to double early learning and childcare hours by August 2020. Continue reading Question mark over government’s nursery places plan
Following allegations of abuse and misconduct by staff in the international development sector, Holyrood’s International Development Minister Dr Alasdair Allan has written to all non-governmental organisations working overseas and funded by the Scottish Government. Continue reading Ministers act following aid abuse allegations
A record number of early years apprenticeships are expected to start this year as part of the expansion of free nursery and childcare, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said yesterday. The Scottish Government is almost doubling funded childcare from 600 to 1,140 hours by 2020, backed by £243 million in the 2018-19 draft budget alone. Continue reading Double your money: cash boost fuels roll-out of funded childcare
Consultation opens on ‘transformation vision’
THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is set to launch a public consultation as it continues to lead the way in Scotland’s public sector – by proposing to transform to meet modern risks. Continue reading Have your say in Fire & Rescue Service consultation
Scotland should make a number of improvements in its approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, including the implementation of a ‘Scottish style Housing First’ that would give people a safe and permanent home. Continue reading Housing First, says Holyrood Committee
Students at Scotland’s colleges and universities will soon have more and even better opportunities to get involved in sport, thanks to a £465,000 Scottish Government investment. Continue reading £465,000 for student sport development
