The SNP will tear down barriers to learning
by Deputy First Minister John Swinney has pledged to tear down barriers to learning as he unveils a package of practical measures designed to reduce the cost of the school day.
In Government, the SNP extended free school meals to primaries 1 to 3 allowing families to save around £400 per child per year – and if re-elected, we will go further by providing free school breakfast and lunch for all primary school pupils.
✂️ While the Tories impose more austerity cuts, Scotland is taking bold and progressive steps to tackle child poverty.
🍎 If re-elected in 2021, we’ll introduce universal free meals, lunch and breakfast, to all primary school pupils, all year round. #SNP20 pic.twitter.com/Do9bHz1cTN
— The SNP (@theSNP) November 28, 2020
If re-elected, an SNP Scottish Government would take bold steps to reduce the cost of the school day, with these key pledges:
- providing free school breakfast and lunch for all primary school pupils,
- giving every school pupil age-appropriate digital device
- abolition of core curriculum charges such as materials fees in practical subjects,
- increase the school clothing grant to at least £120 in primary school and £150 in secondary school and increase it each year with inflation,
- exempting poorer families from the cost of school trips.
In a country as wealthy as Scotland, no pupil should struggle to learn because of poverty - and by giving both votes to the SNP on May 6, people can elect a government which is absolutely committed to tearing down the barriers to education that still exist, and ensuring all children can get the best start in life.
