New partnership set to improve access to education for children’s sector professionals

An exciting new partnership between The Open University in Scotland and Children in Scotland is set to improve access to education for professionals working across the children’s sector.

The partnership will include the introduction of a new portal which will offer a tailored selection of courses upskilling practitioners working in the sector. Courses will range in length from one hour of study up to 24 hours and will cover a wide range of topics including early learning, psychology and development, mental health and wellbeing, as well as more general courses focused on leadership, sustainability and digital skills.

Children in Scotland’s workforce will also benefit from the new partnership, with access to The Open University (OU) in Scotland’s educational resources helping to grow staff skills in key areas.

Drawing on expertise, the two organisations will explore potential research and funding opportunities focused on improving the lives of children and young people, as well as creating events that will foster knowledge-sharing and networking across the sector.

Susan Stewart, Director of The Open University in Scotland, said:

"At The Open University in Scotland, we aim to transform lives and communities through the power of learning and have done so successfully for more than 50 years. Children are our society’s future, and I am absolutely delighted for us to be partnering with Children in Scotland - both to support them in developing their staff who are working with young people and communities, and also for our organisations to collaborate on exciting and impactful new research.

“The OU in Scotland has a proven track record of establishing strong partnerships with other organisations and I am certain this collaboration will open a world of possibilities improving the lives of children and our society’s future.”

Simon Massey, Head of Engagement & Learning said:

“Supporting and developing the children’s workforce is a priority area for Children in Scotland and we are thrilled to be working with The Open University in Scotland to create accessible training opportunities for both our members and the wider children’s network.

“The new portal will offer a fantastic range of courses delivered by the OU which we hope will complement the learning opportunities we offer. With many courses offered for free and various learning pathways available, we hope the portal will be beneficial to as many people as possible.”

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 21 November 2023 at the OU in Scotland office in Edinburgh.