Applications have opened for the £1.5 million Innovation Fund to help schools close the attainment gap. 
Schools can choose whether to apply quickly for funds to run projects that are ready to start in March, or to consider bids for the 2016/17 financial year. The Fund is open to all publicly funded primary, secondary and special schools in Scotland which are not already benefitting from the Attainment Scotland Fund.
Funds of £3,000-£10,000 (per school) are available for projects that will help children and young people experiencing socio economic disadvantage. Applications are encouraged from partnerships of schools working collaboratively or individual schools.
Under the twin track application scheme, schools can apply:
- Fast track: by 21 February 2016 for projects that will start in March. Notification will be given between 1 and 4 March.
- Standard track: by 31 March for projects that will start in the year from April 2016. Notification will be given by the end of April.
Proposals should have a particular focus on literacy, numeracy or health and wellbeing. They can be new ideas, or a project with a specific focus, building on what has had the greatest impact within a school, cluster or group of schools. This may include projects involving parental / family engagement and career long professional development or those that help develop and realise aspirations for children and young people.
The guidance and application form are available:
• By email
The information is also on the #SAC Scottish Attainment Challenge Glow site (login required), where practitioners can seek advice and collaborate on applications.
