Northern Alliance sees Funding Boost for Orkney Education

By theorkneynews on June 21, 2017 • ( Leave a comment )

A Northern Alliance made up of Orkney, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Highland, Moray, Shetland and the Western Isles has received a funding boost of £385,000 to go towards improvements in Education.

The Scottish Government funding is allocated as follows:

Up to £115,000 for the Literacy Attainment Project
Up to £100,000 for the Numeracy Attainment Project
Up to £30,000 for the Change Project
Up to £140,000 for further development of collaborative working infrastructure

This is a partnership between the local authorities and the Scottish Government as a means to support learning and teaching. John Swinney, Deputy First Minister in the Scottish Government has announced new powers for Head Teachers and schools. The intention is to set up collaborative networks where educators can share examples of good practice and research.

John Swinney said:

Deputy First Minister John Swinney (Photo Scot Gov)

“Where collaboration is already taking place we have seen a demonstrable and positive impact on young people. This funding will allow the Northern Alliance to build on and share best practice across the system.”

“The best decisions about a child’s education are taken by those who know that child best – their parents, teachers, school and young people themselves. By giving headteachers control over how schools are run and enhancing the role for parents we will ultimately improve the life chances of our children.”

The funding from the Scottish Government will be over a period of 2 years. The new powers to Head Teachers are to be guaranteed in a statutory charter. Schools will have decision making powers over:

Responsibility for raising attainment and closing the poverty-related gap in their school
Choosing school staff and management structure
Deciding curriculum content, within a broad national framework
Directly controlling more school funding

Young people and parents will also have a stronger voice in schools. In addition, every school will have access to a ‘home to school’ link worker to support parents and families.