3rd Sector Early Intervention Fund
The Unified Voluntary Sector Fund, CLD HQ Funds and Early Years Early Action Fund in their present format will come to an end at the end of this current financial year (2012-13). This follows acceptance of all the recommendations from the expert group that was set up to review the UVSF.
One of the recommendations from the expert group was that we consider how best to align funds to improve outcomes for Scotland’s children, families and communities and to support the Scottish Government’s commitment to prevention and early intervention.
A new £20 million third sector early intervention fund will come on stream in 2013-14 and the criteria for this are currently being considered. This new fund will be open to voluntary groups working with children, young people and their families and communities.
Communities and Families Fund
The Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell, has launched a grants programme funded jointly by the Scottish Government and the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland. The £6 million fund will support local projects that help families and communities give children the best start in life.
Go2Play capacity building fund opens
Over the past two years through Go Play we have invested in some of the most exciting and impactful play organisations in Scotland - significantly increasing the opportunities for children to benefit from free play. We are pleased to announce the Go2Play capacity building fund opened for applications on 2 April.
National Parenting Strategy
We are seeking the views of parents across Scotland through a series of discussion groups aimed at helping us develop the Strategy.
Free childcare for vulnerable children
The Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell, has announced that early learning and childcare opportunities for vulnerable two-year-olds will be expanded following an investment of £1.5 million a year over the next three years from the Scottish Government.
Early years book scheme
The Scottish Book Trust's 'Bookbug' programme which provides free books for young children is to receive an extra £450,000 from the Scottish Government - taking total funding for the scheme to £1.5 million until 2013.