Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2022-2026 - annex 5: impact of policies on child poverty

Scottish Attainment Challenge

To use education to improve outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty, with a focus on tackling the poverty related attainment gap.

• Costs of living

Enhanced life chances (e.g. health, wellbeing, capabilities, longer term goals)

Potential size of impact

All 32 local authorities will receive direct, targeted Scottish Attainment Fund investment. 97% of schools in Scotland will receive Pupil Equity Funding.

Type of impact

Closing the poverty based attainment gap aims to ensure that disadvantaged children can progress to positive destinations after school. Ultimately, this policy has the potential to enhance skills, qualifications and earning potential for children affected by poverty.

Certainty of impact

Measurable impact will only be apparent in the long term and will depend on other factors. However, evidence thus far (Progress report: 2016-2021) shows that poverty related attainment gap is starting to narrow.

Priority families targeted by policy:

• Lone parents
• 3+ children
• Disabled
• Minority ethnic
• Mothers aged <25

Support is targeted to children and young people who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Local Authorities and schools will continue to make local decisions on how best to support children and young people impacted by poverty, with targeted support also for care experienced children and young people. Head teachers can exercise professional judgement to determine if other children not in a priority family group would benefit from interventions funded through Pupil Equity Funding. Success of the policy depends on various factors, including the engagement of children and parents. Ongoing monitoring will seek to identify risks and address challenges.

Tracking progress

Local Authorities and schools will continue to be supported by Education Scotland to monitor and report on progress. A new Framework for Recovery and Accelerating Progress is in development to help provide clear direction to improve outcomes for those children and young people most impacted by poverty. Annual evaluations are published assessing programme impact and implementation.