John Swinney plans the SNP's sequel to the baby box

John Swinney, SNP leader, is launching the party’s plan, which it says is building on the success of Scotland’s Baby Box.  

There have been 360,000 baby boxes sent out to parents for children since the launch in 2017.

The new Welcome to School Bag will be provided to all Primary 1 pupils, giving a school bag with a starter pack filled with essential school items such as stationery, books, a water bottle and resources to help families encourage literacy and numeracy practice at home. 

Swinney said:  “I am delighted to launch our fantastic new Welcome to School Bag today.  

"Starting school is an exciting moment for every child and their family and I am determined that we do everything we can to support them at such a big transition point in their life. 
 
“The Welcome to School Bag will be packed with items – stationery, books and other helpful resources to help our children thrive when starting school. 

 “Building on the fantastic success of the Baby Box, Scotland’s Welcome to School Bag is just another step in ensuring that we are supporting our children at every stage of their life. 
 
“The Baby Box has been transformational for so many families across the country and receiving it is now an important milestone for new parents.  The Welcome to School Bag has the potential to have the same impact.” 

The Tories, not impressed by the idea of giving free equipment to children, branded the plan a "goodie-bag gimmick for primary one pupils".

Miles Briggs, education spokesperson, said: "Swinney should be addressing plummeting school standards, the epidemic of classroom violence, the poverty-related attainment gap he promised to eradicate and the shortage of teachers. "