MONEY will be targeted at pupils from poorer backgrounds under a new £120 million scheme.
Under the Scottish Government’s Pupil Equity Fund, cash will be allocated directly to individual schools for the first time.
Headteachers will decide how to spend the money, which will amount to around £1,200 for each pupil from P1-S3 known to be eligible for free school meals – a key indicator of poverty.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “This significant announcement marks the first allocation of Pupil Equity Funding.
“This will make a significant contribution towards our overall commitment to invest £750m in closing the attainment gap over the life of the Parliament.”
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, welcomed the extra money.
He said: “This funding will not solve this issue, but it is an important signal of intent and of a continuing commitment to tackle this major societal problem.”
The Scottish Government also announced £60m to begin funding the roll-out of additional free nursery places for families up to 1,140 hours.
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