Head teachers are to be offered a new package of training support as part of a £3.5m Scottish government scheme. The Excellence in Headship programme aims to help school leaders "improve critical self-awareness, leadership of learning, lead system change and organisational effectiveness".
The government also announced plans for the expansion of early learning entitlement in a Holyrood statement.
Mr Swinney also announced a £3m partnership with the Hunter Foundation for a series of leadership academies.
Launching the fund at Queen Margaret University, the deputy first minister said: "Effective school leadership is key to the success of schools. As a result, it is vital we invest in our head teachers and support them to deliver superb schooling for children in Scotland.
"I am delighted to announce that Excellence in Headship is now open for recruitment, backed by £1.6m of Scottish government funding over the next four years.
"In addition, the Scottish government, in partnership with the Hunter Foundation, will support leadership academies delivered by Columba 1400 which will benefit 320 head teachers in its first year.
Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-39351772