Scottish Government
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Growing up in Scotland

Almost every parent in Scotland is involved, engaged and highly satisfied in their child’s schooling in the early years according to key findings from a report published yesterday. 

The annual Growing up in Scotland (GUS) reports looks at life as a child in Scotland, this year focussing on three areas: early experiences at primary school, weight and physical activity and the involvement of grandparents.

The 2012 findings include:

  • 96 per cent of parents  are satisfied or “very satisfied” with their child’s school
  • Nearly all parents felt their children had adjusted well to starting school
  • 99 per cent of parents have undertaken activities to prepare their child for school
  • 94 per cent had attended a parents evening
  • Of those classed as obese at four (around nine per cent), half were no longer obese at age six.
  • The majority of children exercise for the recommended level of 60 minutes daily  
  • Grandparents play a key role in family life, often helping with childcare or financially  

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People said:

“The Scottish Government wants our country to be the best place for children to grow up and studies such as Growing up in Scotland (GUS) provide uniquely Scottish information to help realise that vision.

“The findings help our understanding of what makes the best start in life, how to achieve that for our children and how to measure the progress already made.

“This government is committed to supporting children and families and recognises that getting it right in the early years is essential. These findings will be hugely helpful to us as well as our partners working across the early years in Scotland.’’

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