Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP
Gorgie Dalry Gazette (education)
Scotland’s education system is well regarded and respected all over the world. The level of attainment in reading, writing and maths has improved significantly in the last few years. So, I welcome the further investment announced this autumn which will allow us to not just maintain our position but to improve.
The largest school building programme in Scotland's history is taking place. 300 schools will be rebuilt or substantially refurbished by 2009. I’m delighted the Scottish Executive will be putting an extra £30 million into school building improvements across Scotland. Edinburgh will get a share of around £2 million more than last year. This will fund improved sports facilities and playgrounds, introduce more energy efficient measures to schools such as better insulation, solar panels and wind power and redesign of canteens. The new Tynecastle High School will be built because of this investment in our school buildings and despite opposition from some quarters. Within the next few years almost every school pupil in my constituency will be learning in a new or refurbished school and they will have more teachers teaching them.
Teacher numbers have risen by over 1000 and 53,000 teachers will be working in Scottish education by 2007. These new teachers will see class sizes reduced to 25 for primary one classes and to 20 in Maths and English classes for the first two years of secondary school.
Many parents tell me they want their children to learn another language so I’m pleased the Scottish Executive invested £4 million in 2005-06 to guarantee the opportunity for P6 and P7 pupils to learn a modern European language.
Over half of our pupils enter further or higher education, compared with 43% in England. Some of these students may be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance of up to £30 per week.
The allowances are awarded based on household income. Anyone who is 16 to 18 years old between 1 March 2006 and 28 February 2007 and plans to stay on in full-time education may claim the money. I understand many students feel pressure to get out of education and start earning money but I don’t want to see anyone failing to achieve their potential because of financial difficulties. This Allowance won’t affect any other benefits that are being claimed by your household, the money goes directly to the students. There are 270,000 young people from low income families benefiting from the Education Maintenance Allowance currently. You can call Edinburgh City Council on 0131 200 2000 for more information on applying for an EMA. But please get in contact with me if I can help you with this - or about any other matter you want to raise.
