£12 million will be spent over the next year to improve the attainment of care experienced young people

The Scottish Government has pledged to continue to provide support for looked after children.

More than £8 million of Scottish Government funding was spent last year on projects to improve the attainment of care experienced young people.

Projects as diverse as mentoring programmes, counselling services and driving lessons were supported through the Care Experienced Children and Young People fund.

Now more than £12 million of further funding will be provided this academic year to enhance the support available.

Local authorities will work with chief social workers and directors of education to decide how this year’s funding will be used.

Care experienced young people from birth up to the age of 26 are eligible for support. The announcement comes as part of Care Experienced Week 2019.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "Improving the education and life chances of all our children and young people is the defining mission of this government.

“However, we know that many young people living in, or leaving, the care system may face barriers to achieving their full learning potential.

“That is why we are providing local authorities with more than £12 million this academic year to support work which seeks to raise attainment for care experienced children and young people through targeted action.”