The programme outline for 2004 – 2005

The School as the hub

Activity one
A mapping exercise of examples where the school has acted as the ’hub’ in rural communities throughout Scotland was conducted. This exercise both showcased successes and signposted challenges for the integration of services and the sharing of premises for young children, their families and services providers.

Activity two
A seminar was held on Friday 10 September 2004, in Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway. This seminar showcased the findings of the mapping exercise and provided an opportunity to link the findings of the study with the key themes of the draft Integrated Strategy for the Early Years.

Activity three
A study visit to Asker Community Centre, Borgen, Norway took place from 5-8 October 2004. The Asker Community Centre has 3 main objectives and they are:-

• To provide integrated public services for children and young people
• To provide a centre for learning, culture and physical activities and for recreation in the local environment
• To become a centre for all at Borgen, across the borders of different age, social, economical and cultural backgrounds

Parental and carer involvement

Activity one
An exploratory piece of work to signpost examples of where parents and carers have, or have not, had a role in developing policy and delivering services to their young children, in selected rural communities across Scotland.

Activity two
A seminar was held in January 2005 to showcase the findings of the survey. The seminar provided an opportunity to link the findings of the survey to the key themes of the draft Integrated Strategy for the Early Years.

The Growing up in Rural Scotland programme hosted its second annual major conference on 10 and 11 March 2005. The conference provided an opportunity to consider and reflect upon the ways in which children's early experiences can lay the basis for their lifelong learning experience, health and happiness and the implications of these experiences for policies and services in early childhood.