Children starting Primary One in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are set to receive a new backpack as part of a Scottish Government scheme launching for the 2027/28 school year.
The Welcome to School Bag initiative is expected to reach around 47,000 pupils across Scotland. It is intended to help children feel prepared as they begin primary school, while supporting learning and practical activities at home.
What will be in the bag?
Each backpack will include a pencil case, pens, pencils, coloured crayons, a notebook and a water bottle. The package will also contain resources designed to encourage children to practise reading, writing and maths at home.
The bags will include reflective strips to improve visibility and safety. They will also have nameplates and a window where children can display a drawing, allowing pupils to personalise their backpack.
Support for families starting school
Ayr SNP MSP Siobhian Brown welcomed the announcement and said the scheme would help ensure children across Ayr, Prestwick and Troon were ready for their first day.
The Scottish Government said the backpacks would complement existing financial support for eligible families. That support includes more than £330 through the Best Start Grant to help with the costs of starting primary school, alongside more than £100 available through the School Clothing Grant.
Ms Brown said the new bag was part of a wider package of measures intended to support children and families, including the Baby Box, School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payments, breakfast clubs and free school meals.
“Every child in Ayr, Prestwick & Troon should feel excited and ready for their first day of school, which is why the SNP is delivering the new Welcome to School Backpack.”
She said the first bags had been prioritised to reach children by the time they start school next year, describing the measures as part of efforts to eradicate child poverty.
The announcement means families with children due to begin Primary One in the 2027/28 school year can expect the Welcome to School Bag to form part of preparations for the move into primary education. The source does not give a distribution date, collection arrangements or details of how families will receive the backpacks.