Move to improve care conditions

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Ministers have earmarked funding to improve the living conditions of children in care.

The Scottish Executive has unveiled details of the £7m fund.

Foster carers can apply for a share of £2m which has been set aside to buy items like bunk beds, washing machines and extra furniture.

Residential units and schools across the country will receive £5m to improve decor and provide facilities which encourage learning, such as computers.

Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown will make the announcement at the Children in Care conference in Edinburgh on Monday.

He said: "To fulfil their potential, children need to feel safe and secure at home.

"They need high quality care and access to facilities that can help them flourish socially and in education.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that the often vulnerable children who are in care have everything they need to succeed. We must invest in them and their future."