This should lead to better job opportunities, better incomes and a better way of life for their children

Jackie Baillie, MSP

Scotland's Social Justice Minister Jackie Baillie said the scheme would help bring an end to child poverty by making it easier for their parents to gain qualifications and find work.

According to Scottish Executive figures, only 48% of lone parents of working age in Scotland have jobs and about 82,000 lone parents in Scotland claim Income Support.

Ms Baillie said: "These measures offer lone parents their best ever chance to progress to further and higher education.

"That should lead to better job opportunities, better incomes and a better way of life for their children.

Out-of-school clubs

"Many lone parents need better qualifications to get jobs, yet many feel unable to access further or higher education because they can't afford adequate childcare."

The Scottish Executive wants to see more lone parents at university

Enterprise Minister Wendy Alexander added: "We are determined that Scots from all backgrounds and whatever their circumstances, should have their best ever chance to go to college or university."

An estimated 3,500 single parents in full-time higher education will receive a �1,075 grant to pay for formal childcare, while between 3,000 and 5,000 students are expected to benefit as care facilities are widened at further education colleges throughout Scotland.

Another �8 million will go towards boosting out-of-school clubs in deprived areas through local authorities, a move which is expected to secure places for an extra 4,000 children.

Lone parents will also receive a dependant's grant of up to �2,175 for the first child and up to �1,740 for additional children, as well as a school meals' grant of �250 for children under 11.