PARENTS in Dumfries and Galloway will not be asked for donations for practical school lessons after assurances from government officials.
Concerns were raised after the Parent Council at Castle Douglas High School warned it needed financial support to supply items for use in art, home economics and technical lessons.
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson subsequently wrote to the Scottish Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, urging her to ensure local authorities have sufficient budget resources.
In response, the Cabinet Secretary said the Scottish Government is committed to removing charges associated with the cost of materials for lessons. She stated: “The removal of core curriculum costs for all primary and secondary pupils ensures that carers and families do not have to meet the costs of resources and materials for practical lessons, and also removes cost as a factor when young people are making choices about their education.”
The Scottish Government now plans to increase funding to all Scottish local authorities from £6 million to £8 million by 2022-23. In Dumfries and Galloway, the funding will rise from £159,000 to £213,000.
Mr Carson discussed the government’s assurances during a visit to Castle Douglas High School on Friday, above. The MSP is now waiting for a response from the council regarding how the increased funding will be distributed and spent in the region’s schools.
