Consumers looking for a festive bargain are being urged to keep their details secure as figures reveal online crime cost consumers and business £10.9 million last Christmas across the UK. Figures from Get Safe Online and Action Fraud show the figure decreased by 33% in total compared to the same period in 2014-2015. Continue reading Don’t make it easy for cybercriminals
Groups helping some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people are to receive funding support of £17 million. Seventeen organisations have been awarded the money, seized from criminals operating in Scotland, in the latest round of CashBack funding. Continue reading Youth organisations to share £17 million CashBack funding
Citizens Advice Bureaux will expand their support to people needing advice on funeral planning, Social Security Secretary Angela Constance has announced. Continue reading Government action to tackle funeral poverty
Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, has announced that Edinburgh, Aberdeen and the Scottish Borders will be the first three locations for Early Learning and Childcare expansion trials. The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Craigentinny Nursery yesterday.
The trials, which form part of the Scottish Government’s drive to increase the flexibility, quality and quantity of provision, will commence in January 2017 and will test out a variety of models including:
Mr McDonald said: “High quality early learning and childcare plays a vital role in narrowing the attainment gap that is why this Government has gone further than any other in our commitment to expanding free entitlement.
“But, the Scottish Government is not simply determined to increase the amount of early learning and childcare. We are also determined to deliver the flexibility that families need to make best use of high quality childcare.
“Right now, councils work hard to be flexible but we must all acknowledge that too often the system does not offer places where and when families need them. We are going to change that.
“We have already launched a major consultation looking at different options, including blending together ideas like funding following the child and Children in Scotland’s Childcare Commission proposal that parents can opt to receive funding in a childcare account.
“Today, we are launching a series of trials to test various models of delivery for the expansion to 1,140 hours.
“By trialling different delivery models we will be better able to understand what parents and children need and want. The three successful local authorities announced today put forward a diverse range of proposals and I look forward to seeing how these work in practice.”
“As highlighted in research from Heriot-Watt University published yesterday, quality childcare is a key contributor to reducing poverty and tackling inequality. Today marks the latest milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a high-quality, flexible childcare system that helps children, parents and families the length and breadth of the country.”
Councillor Cammy Day, Education Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s important for children to experience a diverse education from an early age and the Forest Kindergarten trial project is a really innovative way of enriching their learning as research shows that education outdoors has a really beneficial impact on young people.
“Apart from the positive educational benefits the project will also give pupils from areas of social deprivation opportunities and experiences which may otherwise be limited to them.”
Councils across Scotland are set to benefit from almost £13m of funding to tackle poverty in communities across the country. The money, made up from a combination of £5m of European Social Funds (ESF) and match funding from local authorities, will be targeted to projects that combat poverty and promote equal opportunity. Continue reading ‘Significant’ Euro funds to tackle poverty
NHS boards across Scotland are finalising plans to ensure resilience over winter this year – and prepare for the extra pressures that the season can bring. Continue reading NHS gets ready for winter
Every P2 and P3 child in Scotland will receive a pack containing books, games and other materials to help improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Education Secretary John Swinney launched the first packs at Towerbank Primary School, as part of the Read, Write, Count campaign delivered by Scottish Book Trust which encourages parents to actively engage in their child’s learning journey. Continue reading Book gift packs for all P2 and P3 children
Interfaith Scotland is to receive £145,000 to help support their work with different faith groups and interfaith organisations.
Making the announcement while meeting with representatives from different faith groups and interfaith organisations across Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In the past year we have witnessed faith groups working together with one voice to show their support during humanitarian crises across the world.
“The vital work of Interfaith Scotland in raising awareness of the importance of interfaith dialogue and increasing our understanding of different traditions and practices enriches our communities.
“By working together with Interfaith Scotland and all communities I hope to see a safer, stronger and more inclusive society which we are all able to fully contribute to and benefit from.”
Growing interfaith expertise since the 1970s, Interfaith Scotland is highly regarded in the international interfaith community as being a leader. Interfaith organisations promote mutual understanding of the teachings, traditions and practices of different faith communities.
Director of Interfaith Scotland Dr Maureen Sier said: “Interfaith Scotland is delighted to receive this funding from the Scottish Government. It allows us to continue the important interfaith engagement work that takes place across Scotland. Challenging religious prejudice, stereotyping and misunderstanding is at the heart of what we do and ensures that everyone, whatever their religion or belief, has an opportunity to play an active role in promoting a just and inclusive Scotland.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Shona Robison MSP visited NHS24 yesterday to see firsthand how Scotland’s national unscheduled care and health information service launch the first phase of its technology upgrade. Continue reading NHS24 in good health
Thousands of Scots share their views on the social security system
The three-month consultation on building a Scottish social security system has ended – for now. Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says the government will publish a report in the New Year and insists the dialogue will continue. Continue reading Scottish Social Security consultation arouses strong feelings
