They said that parents and staff in schools are noticing and benefiting from 'Cost of the School Day' policy commitments, including measures such as curriculum cost removal and digital inclusion.Child Poverty Action Group, written evidence
However, evidence has shown a variation in experience of collaboration, with partnerships with third sector organisations often being limited to the delivery of specific interventions or projects.Closing the poverty-related attainment gap: progress report 2016 to 2021 In particular, the Attainment Scotland Fund survey of headteachers in 2020 found that primary schools and those in rural areas were less likely to have seen an increase in collaborative working.2020 Attainment Scotland Fund Evaluation: Headteacher Survey
Barnardo's Scotland stressed the importance of sustained relationships in providing support to children and young people:
We welcome the commitment to advise schools of PEF allocations for the full parliamentary term but it is not clear whether this will result in longer term, more sustainable arrangements for partner organisations commissioned by individual schools.Barnardo's Scotland, written evidence
Some third sector organisations warned of a risk that greater autonomy for schools could lead to fragmented decision-making, leaving schools and local authorities less able to make links and spend funds on the most impactful activity.Robertson Trust, written evidence Whilst the Princes Trust agreed that the central role played by local authorities is important, the devolution of spending to individual schools presents challenges in developing and co-ordinating...