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ELECTION 2021: SNP education policies will 'help young people reach their potential'


By Alan Beresford

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THE SNP are introducing policies to support learning and help young people reach their full potential, says Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP candidate Karen Adam.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP candidate Karen Adam.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP candidate Karen Adam.

Our education system should be treated holistically, as learning, health and well-being are very much intertwined. Poverty is one of the greatest barriers to learning.

We will invest £1 billion to aid recovery and close the attainment gap with such policies as providing free school breakfasts and lunches to every primary school pupil, all year round, increasing the school uniform grant of up to £150, and ending the exclusion of poorer pupils from trips and practical activities.

Food, clothing and inclusion supports learning.

Good mental health is essential to education. We will ensure at least 1 per cent of frontline NHS spending is directed to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

With reliance on digital connectivity, we will provide every child in Scotland with a device to get online, including a free internet connection, this, and a National Digital Academy which will allow learners to access the full higher curriculum, regardless of age, school or location. Sustainable learning.

We propose an additional 3500 teachers and classroom assistants, allowing teachers more time to prepare lessons and improve their skills. We will also take forward the recommendations of the OECD review of the design and flexibility of Curriculum for Excellence, to ensure that the benefits of CfE are delivered for all pupils.

We are investing in our school estate, working with local authorities to provide suitable, fit for purpose school buildings such as the proposed Peterhead Community Campus.

As a parent of children with disabilities I understand the complexities and their barriers to learning. Our implementation of a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiversity Commissioner will be a game changer.

Education based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay is our commitment.


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