Meeting of the Parliament 04 March 2026 [Draft]
I thank the Lib Dems for securing this debate. I am delighted to speak just as we have agreed to the 2026-27 budget, as the cabinet secretary referred to. That was secured through constructive agreement with our Lib Dem colleagues.
The budget delivers tangible investment in the future of every child and young person. It contains more than £4.8 billion for education, including £200 million specifically targeted at closing the poverty-related attainment gap. That is record investment, which the Parliament can be proud of. It is not just about the funds, as has been said; it is about achievement.
I come to the debate with evidence of progress and achievement, which is the important thing. We can all stand in the Parliament to make speeches, trade statistics and trade our records of manifesto promises. The achievement of curriculum for excellence levels data that was published in December 2025 showed that there are record levels of literacy and numeracy in our primary schools. Just last month, in February 2026, we learned that the proportion of school leavers who move on to positive destinations—college, university, training or employment—reached the second-highest level on record. Those are not abstract statistics; they are the direct result of the hard work of teachers, pupil support staff, parents and carers across Scotland.
The budget builds on that success. It will expand free breakfast clubs and free school meals even further, helping to ensure that no child arrives at school too hungry to learn. The constructive work with colleagues and the budget deal with the Scottish Greens last year rolled out free school meals in secondary schools. Every extra meal served is another barrier removed and another child is given the best possible start to their school day.
I, too, welcome the continuation of extra funding for pupils with additional support needs. The demands for our ASN services are significant and sustained investment is essential. I look forward to the publication early next month of the cross-party ASN review that this Parliament commissioned. I am confident that the review, combined with resources and the budget, will help us to deliver the support that our young people deserve.
Another important point that has not been touched on in the debate is the second cross-party summit on neural developmental support, which brings together health, educational, academia and local government. Those in the next session of Parliament will have a vital role in ensuring that children and parents have the support that they need to maximise their child’s potential. I commend the work that Stronger Together for Autism and Neurodivergence undertake in East Lothian in supporting children and parents.
I want to focus on one local issue. It is incredibly worrying to see some autistic children in East Lothian being denied essential support because of the Labour council’s decision to block private therapists from working in local schools. That directly affects families in East Lothian, where many children rely on specialist input to communicate, learn and thrive. Parents and professionals across East Lothian have been clear in speaking to me. When independent therapists are refused access, there is often no suitable alternative in place. Children are left waiting, falling behind and missing out on interventions that could make a life‑changing difference.
All qualified therapists meet the same regulatory standards. What matters is that children receive the help when they need it. I am working with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in that regard. It would be helpful if the cabinet secretary could refer to that in her summing up. I raised the topic in committee last week, and Tom Arthur said that he would take the point forward.
Children are suffering in East Lothian because of that specific issue. I am also asking East Lothian Council to urgently rethink its approach and put children’s needs at the centre of decision making.
No progress would be possible without the dedication of those in our classrooms, nurseries and communities, which we see day in and day out. Scotland’s teachers and pupil support staff go above and beyond. Parents and carers give tirelessly of their time and energy. Our pupils do, too—the young people turn up ready to learn to their full potential. They are the reason that we are all here. I want to place on record our deepest gratitude to every one of them. Their hard work and commitment are what make Scottish education the success story that it is becoming.