Meghan Gallacher

Answer · Mairi McAllan · 24 Jun 2026

The McManus review of additional support for learning published in March, set out six high level and far reaching recommendations to address the evolving ASN systems challenge. The first step in implementing the recommendations will be the publication of a timeline and route map in relation to the national staged intervention model (recommendation 1 of the McManus report) and the associated 100 days commitment. Beyond that it is envisaged that the McManus report will be delivered in stages across the Parliamentary term.

Answer · Siobhian Brown · 22 Jun 2026

Since 2020, the Scottish Government has made a sustained and significant financial commitment to keeping The Promise, with investment delivered annually through the Children and Families Directorate and across wider portfolios.Keeping the Promise is not funded through a single programme. It is a whole-system commitment, with investment spanning multiple directorates and public services, including social work, education, health, housing and justice, alongside local government funding. The Scottish Government does not assign a single fixed annual cost to keeping The Promise, reflecting its scope as a cross-government, system-wide reform programme. Key investments include support for The Promise Scotland, the Whole Family Wellbeing Funding (WFWF), and measures such as the Scottish Recommended Allowance for foster and kinship carers. These are designed to transform how families are supported, with a focus on early intervention and prevention.The Whole Family Wellbeing Funding is central to this approach. Between 2022 and March 2026, over £154.5 million has been invested to transform family support. This includes multi-year funding for Children’s Services Planning Partnerships (CSPPs), which deliver support locally. We will continue to invest £50m in 2026-27 in a programme of work aimed at transforming family support services, by strengthening holistic and preventative approaches that improve family wellbeing. This includes funding for CSPPs which has increased from £32 million to £38.1 million in 2025–26 and 2026–27 to strengthen locally-led provision.Progress is also supported by legislative change through the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act, with a Financial Memorandum published in February 2026 setting out indicative costs at introduction. These estimates will continue to be refined as implementation progresses.The Scottish Government continues to work with partners, including COSLA, to ensure delivery is aligned with available resources while maintaining the long-term commitment to keep The Promise by 2030.

Answer · Siobhian Brown · 25 Jun 2026

We are adopting a public health approach to online harm as an overarching approach to protecting children and young people from the risk of a spectrum of harm linked to the online world.We understand the spectrum of harm can range from, among others, loss of concentration and wasted childhood time at one end, through disruption to education and the absorption of harmful often sexualised, misogynistic or violent content in the centre, to online bullying, incitement to self-harm and grooming at the extreme end. A public health approach allows us to respond appropriately to each of these risks and to adapt as the technology advances.Ministers confirmation that we will introduce legislation to create phone free learning environments is an early policy and legal response to the spectrum of harms.Ministers discussed this approach with members of our Online Safety Taskforce on 23 June and developments will be considered as this work progresses.Another will be the development of a Public Health campaign which will develop the advice we have already published on our Parent Club website that recommends no screen time for babies and infants under 2 years, apart from communication (face time) with known adults. This is in line with World Health Organisation guidelines. The guidance also recommends that children aged 2-4 years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day.To support our Screen use guidance we have also updated the Baby Box booklet to include information on the importance of early child development, speech, language and communication development, information supporting parental confidence to play and screen use advice. New information has been added to Parent Club providing guidance on managing screen use and also providing advice on how parents can also reduce their screen time.Building on the comprehensive content currently included on Parent Club we will engage directly with parents and children and young people on what advice they need or want to support their positive digital behaviours. We will also undertake a review of research on the impact of digital media (including screen time and screen use i.e. content) on children and young people’s wellbeing to further inform the Scottish Governments position on children and young people’s positive digital behaviour.

Answer · Ben Macpherson · 25 Jun 2026

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-44232 on 12 March 2026, work on the Colleges Sector of the Future workstream is underway and will continue over the coming months. The workstream consists of three interconnected pillars: development of the evidence base, regional and national workshops, and co-creation of a set of sustainable and flexible options. As these pillars inform one another, evidence and related outputs will be developed and published in tranches as the work progresses. I will continue to keep Parliament updated. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

Answer · Mairi McAllan · 25 Jun 2026

Scottish Ministers are committed to improving the educational experiences of children and young people with additional support needs and recognise the important role all staff play in supporting those who are most vulnerable.The 2026-27 budget set out an additional £29m of investment for local and national programmes to support the recruitment and retention of the ASN workforce. We will also continue to work in partnership with local government to support schools to develop positive learning environments and promote positive relationships and behaviour through the delivery of our Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan. Further detail in relation to the timing and staging of manifesto commitments will be announced in due course.

Answer · Mairi McAllan · 25 Jun 2026

The Scottish Government has committed to begin procurement for the ‘Welcome to School bag’ within the first 100 days by working with children and families to shape the best items for the start of school. Scottish Government Officials have begun engaging with learners, parents and carers, and headteachers on the various design, content, and delivery options, after which, we will produce a timeline for delivery.

Answer · Mairi McAllan · 25 Jun 2026

The Scottish Government has committed to expanding childcare support to children from nine months through to the end of primary school over the course of this Parliament. As this work progresses, we will set out a detailed programme to enable Parliament and the public to monitor progress.

Answer · Ben Macpherson · 25 Jun 2026

Funding for the Apprenticeship Accelerator Grant will be considered as part of preparation for the Scottish Budget 2027-28. Funding for subsequent years will be a matter for future budgets.