The Liberal Democrats have increased the amount of public money they would spend to improve the life chances of disadvantaged children by a tenth.
The Lib Dems previously committed to spend £170 million on a “pupil premium” for children who require extra support and are now offering an additional £17 million if they are elected in May.
Party leader Willie Rennie announced the extension at a Church of Scotland hustings in Edinburgh.
He said: “I want every young person to achieve their potential and get on in life, and that includes looked-after children who don’t always get the best start.
“The Church of Scotland and many others have long been concerned about the life chances for looked-after children.
“For them, growing up can be incredibly challenging – they are less likely to do well at school, more likely to suffer from mental ill health and more likely to be socially excluded.
“That’s why on top of the £170 million pupil premium we have already set out, Scottish Liberal Democrats will invest a further £17 million in a pupil premium for looked-after children.
“It will be worth £1,400 for each pupil and teachers will decide how it should be spent.
“For decades the state has failed the children in its care. Our pupil premium will be an important step towards ending this national shame.”