This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New investment to cut class sizes
16/11/2004
Extra investment worth £60 million intended to prepare the way for class size reductions was unveiled today.
Education Minister Peter Peacock announced that the Schools Fund will continue until 2007/08 - with an extra £60 million available to local authorities over that period.
In total, with existing funding from the Scottish Budget, an additional £227 million will now be distributed from the Schools Fund from 2005/06 to 2007/08 for school building work and to develop information technology infrastructure fit for the 21st century.
This is on top of the £76.7 million already allocated for 2005/06.
At East Craigs Primary in Edinburgh, Mr Peacock said:
"Our historic commitment to cut class sizes means that in some schools more classrooms will be needed - this substantial extra amount of cash will help councils plan and deliver the permanent classrooms we need.
"Councils will also be able to make real progress in removing outdated temporary classrooms and adding the extra space we need to meet our commitment to reduce class sizes in P1 and English and maths in S1/2 by 2007.
"This investment is on top of all the resources being released through our PPP programme which is helping councils to transform crumbling classrooms into modern 21st century schools.
"Across Scotland, more and more of our young people now learn in bright, modern classrooms with the latest technology and equipment.
"The extra £60 million I have announced today will make school a better place for pupils and teachers throughout Scotland and contribute to meeting our target to rebuild or substantially refurbish 300 schools by 2009."
The Schools Fund provides capital grant funding to local authorities for the maintenance and refurbishment of school buildings. Councils will also be able to apply some of the new money to improving ICT infrastructure in schools, paving the way for best use of the Scottish Schools Digital Network.
In 2005/06, there will be £96.7 million available from the Schools Fund, rising to £101.35 million in 2006/07 and £106.05 million in 2007/08. The funding available in the current year (2004/05) is £76.7 million.
Over £2.2 billion is also being invested in transforming Scotland's schools through the Public Private Partnership programme.