Committees produce pre-budget reports in advance of the Scottish Budget. These intend to influence the development of the Scottish Government’s spending proposals.

This year, the Education and Gaelic Committee has agreed to focus its scrutiny on two themes.

Class contact time within school education

We want to explore how plans to reduce contact time in Scottish schools are progressing. We are also keen to understand and share any potential issues in delivering these plans.

Reforming the care system for looked-after children in Scotland

The Scottish Government has said that it aims to reform the children's care system by 2030. We want to consider what progress has been made on these reforms. We are particularly interested in the work that aims to clarify funding, roles and responsibilities.

The Committee's report will be sent to the Scottish Government later in 2026.