Local MSP Simita Kumar has hailed the introduction of a new Welcome to School Bag delivered by the Scottish Government.
The backpack, which will be introduced to pupils starting Primary 1 in 2027/28, will include a range of key items such as a pencil case, stationery including pens, pencils, coloured crayons and a notebook, a water bottle, and resources to encourage reading, writing and maths at home.
Around 47,000 young people will receive the backpack next year which will also include reflective strips for safety, nameplates, and a window in which children can place a drawing to personalise their bags.
In Government the SNP is determined to ensure young Scots get the best possible start to life – that is why alongside the Welcome to School Bags eligible families can also receive more than £330 from the Best Start Grant to help with the cost of preparing for primary school, as well as the over £100 of offer through the School Clothing Grant.
Commenting, MSP for Edinburgh South Western, Simita Kumar, said:
Every child and family in Edinburgh South Western should feel excited and ready for their first day of school, which is why the SNP is delivering the new Welcome to School Backpack.
The SNP is determined to give young Scots the best possible start in life – from the Baby Box, to the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payments, breakfast clubs and free school meals, the Welcome to School Bag will help ensure that no child’s start to school is determined by their family’s financial circumstances.
These steps we have taken are vital in our journey to eradicate child poverty, which is why we have prioritised delivering the first bags to reach children by the time they start school next year.
