MORE than £160,000 has been provided to East Lothian Council to improve the educational outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.

The Scottish Government is sharing more than £10 million to local authorities across Scotland through the Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund.

Launched in 2018, the fund has so far provided more than £60 million to deliver initiatives such as mentoring programmes and out of school support.

The latest funding grant will see £166,600 given to East Lothian Council.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Supporting care-experienced young people includes helping them to continue or re-enter education and The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund plays a vital role in delivering additional support to improve educational outcomes.

“We know it is making a real difference, as the latest figures show more care-experienced children and young people are staying in school for longer and achieving higher qualifications.

“Improving outcomes for care-experienced young people requires a truly national effort, and the Scottish Government will continue to work with local authorities, schools and others to ensure that all young people in Scotland can meet their full potential.”