Funding Boost for Extra Time Programme to Support Low-Income Families

Strategic Insights -

The Scottish Government has announced an additional £1.5 million in funding for the Extra Time programme, taking the total investment to £5.5 million for 2025. The programme provides free activities clubs before school, after school, and during the school holidays for primary-age pupils, with a focus on supporting families on low incomes. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville visited the St Mirren Charitable Foundation's Extra Time service at Kirklandneuk Primary School, where she saw firsthand the positive impact of the programme on families.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Extra Time programme will receive £5.5 million in funding for 2025, an increase of £1.5 million from the previous year.
  • The programme will expand to 53 football clubs and trusts, up from 31, to provide access to vital services for around 5,000 children and their families on low incomes.
  • The programme has been shown to improve outcomes for families on low incomes by supporting parents into work, training, or education, and reducing food insecurity and improving children's health and wellbeing.
  • The 2025 Extra Time Evaluation Report highlights the programme's potential to support the Scottish Government's priorities of growing the economy and eradicating child poverty.
  • The programme has seen a positive impact on children's school attendance and attainment, and has helped to improve their health and wellbeing.
  • The Scottish Football Association has welcomed the increased funding and has committed to continuing to deliver the Extra Time programme across Scotland.

Statistics:

  • £5.5 million: total funding for the Extra Time programme in 2025
  • £1.5 million: increase in funding for the Extra Time programme in 2025
  • 53: number of football clubs and trusts participating in the Extra Time programme
  • 5,000: number of children and their families on low incomes who will have access to the Extra Time programme
  • 2025: year in which the Extra Time Evaluation Report was published

Sources:

  • "Scottish Government Funding boost for activities clubs for children from low income families."
  • Scottish FA (2025). 2025 Extra Time Evaluation Report
  • Scottish Government (2025). Additional funding for the Extra Time programme
  • Scottish Government (2025). Press release: Funding boost for activities clubs for children from low income families