The Scottish Government announces funding for projects that support the education and wellbeing of care experienced children and young people
The Scottish Government has announced (5 February) that £9.5 million will be allocated in 2026-27 to projects across Scotland aimed at supporting the education and wellbeing of care experienced children and young people.
The £9.5 million investment, announced by the First Minister on the sixth anniversary of The Promise of the Independent Care Review, is part of The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund, a targeted resource provided to local authorities to support care experienced children and young people from birth to the age of 26.
The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund, which is part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge Programme, was introduced in 2018-19, aims to provide tailored resources that enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of care experienced children and young people, ensuring they have the opportunities and support needed to thrive.
Announcing the funding, First Minister John Swinney said:
“The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund is improving outcomes for young people across Scotland in a range of different ways – driving not only education improvements, but building broader confidence, resilience and well-being.
“The funding we are announcing today, on the sixth anniversary of The Promise, takes the Scottish Government’s total investment in the programme to just over £80 million since 2018 – showcasing how we are delivering for Scotland’s care experienced young people and helping them get the best start in life.”
Claire Burns, Director of CELCIS, said:
"We welcome this announcement, as the funding will help strengthen local initiatives aimed at improving the educational and wellbeing outcomes of care experienced children and young people.
“Education is central to improving life chances, wellbeing, and reducing inequalities for care experienced children and young people.
“By focusing on attainment and wellbeing, we can create conditions for children and young people to flourish and achieve their full potential."