MCR Pathways is encouraged about the continued investment noted in the First Minister’s Programme for Government 25-26 this week.
The focus on social security, free tuition, free school meals, expanded childcare, the elimination of peak rail fares, and investment in housing reflects a recognition that these measures are essential to tackling and eradicating child poverty.
MCR Pathways is encouraged by the continued investment that was noted in the First Minister’s Programme for Government 25-26 this week. This values the young people of Scotland in regards to social security, free tuition fees, free school meals, childcare offers, the elimination of peak rail fares and housing which are all key drivers to tackling child poverty.
Child Poverty
Whilst we previously demonstrated support for the Scottish Government’s measures to reverse the impact of the two-child limit, and are pleased to see this initiative continue; we are discouraged that there was no announcement to raise the Scottish Child Payment of £40 to meet these existing child poverty targets.
This joint call from The Herald & 23 organisations that has now been supported by Save the Children UK provided that urgent investment and uplift is key to the eradication of child poverty in Scotland.
We also urge the Scottish Government to continue collaborative efforts with the UK Government, especially with the newly formed Child Poverty Taskforce, in the hope this will accelerate efforts to scrap the two-child limit UK-wide.
Education & Skills
The First Minister noted that there would be action for attendance, attainment and behaviour for young people in schools. MCR Pathways’ relationship-based mentoring programme is crucial in supporting young people with attainment, attendance and their attitude towards school. With:
- 89% of MCR Pathways mentored care experienced achieving at least 1 National 5 qualification compared with the national average of 61% in Academic Year 2023-24
- 47% of mentored young people feeling mentoring has supported in improving their attendance
- 45% saying mentoring has supported in improving relationships with teachers
- and 73% saying mentoring has helped them become more motivated in school.
We are also piloting our programme across various community-based settings so we can reach every young person who needs support, wherever they are, irrespective of attendance.
Care Experienced Rights
We welcome the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to The Promise and the proposed introduction of the Children and Young People (Care) (Scotland) Bill before the summer recess.
However, we are concerned the current timeframe for the Children and Young People (Care) (Scotland) Bill being pushed does not provide ample time for sufficient scrutiny. This poses the risk of weakening the confidence of care-experienced individuals that their voices are truly being prioritised.
Find out more about views of young people from our programme from our response to the Universal Definition of care experience consultation.
We must ensure this Bill addresses the full range of challenges faced by care-experienced people, including a guarantee of lifelong advocacy for Care Leavers.
For further information about our influencing and policy work, please contact our team.
