Ross gets assurances over Scottish Government's Pupil Equity Funding
North MSP Gail Ross has been given assurances over the distribution of the Scottish Government's £250m two-year Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It came after concerns that “relaxation of ring-fencing” would mean that local authorities, such as Highland Council, could use PEF to address spending in other budgets and that children and families could suffer as a result.
During a meeting of the education and skills committee, Scotland's education secretary John Swinney made clear to Mrs Ross that PEF funding must be used to address the poverty attainment gap and for no other purposes.
He noted that while the guidance had been relaxed, to take into account the different challenges that schools will now face as a result of Covid-19, the funding was still to be used for its intended purpose.
Mr Swinney also emphasised that it is for schools, and schools only, to decide how PEF is spent to address the poverty-related attainment gap.
Mrs Ross, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “I’ve received worrying concerns from elected members and constituents alike that Highland Council is considering using PEF to fund its operations and the responsibility of the management of the budget by schools is being eroded by diktat from Inverness.
“The assurances that the Scottish Government have given me and the committee are clear – this money is for schools to decide how to spend to address the poverty-related attainment gap and should certainly not be controlled by anyone other than them.
“PEF funding is absolutely vital, particularly during these difficult times, to ensure that schools, pupils, parents and carers have the access they need to resources and equipment that meet their specific needs. I sincerely hope that all schools in Caithness, Sutherland or Ross are able to utilise their funding effectively, free from external pressure, to support teaching and learning for our most vulnerable pupils.”
