Fees for children learning a musical instrument at school will be removed thanks to more than £7 million funding from the SNP Government.
North Ayrshire and other councils will also receive £6 million to waive core curriculum charges which can be levied on families for things including materials for home economics or theatre trips associated with drama qualifications.
Both of these commitments were part of the SNP’s 100 days plan and the manifesto during the 2021 elections.
The agreement with COSLA covers the 2021/22 academic year and marks the delivery of two further commitments for the first 100 days of this Government.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP said:
“Today’s announcement means families will not see bills for musical tuition or core curriculum activities in the new school year. I will continue to work with COSLA and local authorities to develop a sustainable and funded model for future years.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“School trips are formative experiences that create life long memories and no child should have to miss out on a school trip for financial reasons, so families struggling to pay for trips will welcome this investment with relief.
“Children also derive an enormous and long lasting sense of confidence and achievement from learning how to play an instrument. In addition, we have all seen in lockdown how beneficial it can be for our mental health to play or even listen to music.
“Being able to play a musical instrument is something every child should have a chance to do and I am delighted that all children in Scotland will have the opportunity to do that now.”
ENDS
