Primary teachers in Scotland say children often struggle with speech and language when they start school, causing them to fall behind their peers, according to research by Save the Children. Vicky Crichton, the charity’s policy manager in Scotland, said that “much work has been done to address this attainment gap, and it’s encouraging to see this is part of the Scottish government’s agenda”. But she added that problems still existed and “teachers really feel that more resources are required”.

Some 75 young people, including primary children, have helped to design a new advice service for pupils experiencing difficulties at school. The Reach website covers many problems, including bullying, struggling at home and anxiety. Amy Westendarp, an information and development officer at the Enquire advice organisation, said: “Our youth advisers also told us that listening to other people’s stories helps a lot, as you realise you aren’t the only one who needs support.”

Two special schools have become the first in Scotland to win a prestigious sports accolade. Edinburgh’s Kaimes School and Park School in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, have been given the SportScotland Gold School Sport Award, which aims to encourage sporting links between schools and communities. Kaimes headteacher Ros Miller, whose school has 100 pupils with autism across primary and secondary, said it was “an absolute joy to see their sense of achievement” after taking part in sport and outdoor activities.

A new approach to nursery for two-year-olds, in which parents stay and support their child’s learning, is one of three early learning and childcare trials announced by the Scottish government. Early Years Scotland will run Stay, Play and Learn - which it described as a “radical” approach - with Aberdeen City Council. Other trial projects will look at outdoor learning in Edinburgh and extending childcare cover in the holidays in Selkirk.

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