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23 September 2021 Inclusion Ambassadors welcome school return but say the still don't feel heard
In their latest meeting, Inclusion Ambassadors share the positives of being back at school, but warn they still feel like they are not being listened to in decisions about their education
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16 September 2021 Minimum Income Guarantee: Immediate progress on poverty still required
Children in Scotland responds to the consultation on a Minimum Income Guarantee with cautious support - but warn immediate action to address poverty is still required
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6 September 2021 Challenges of mental health and lockdown explored in Perth Living Museums exhibition
A new exhibition from young people involved in our Living Museums participation project has opened at Perth Museum.
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25 August 2021 New era for Children in Scotland magazine begins
Children in Scotland's new magazine web pages launch today, providing free, weekly content for the children's sector
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20 August 2021 Young people celebrate launch of Living Museums Stirling exhibition on theme of protest
Young people taking part in our culture and heritage participation project Living Museums celebrated the opening of a new exhibition showcasing their work in Stirling this week.
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16 August 2021 School pledge pack helps educators demonstrate more inclusive practices
A new resource from the Inclusion Ambassadors, designed to help schools better support the inclusion of children and young people with additional support needs in school, has been published today
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28 June 2021 First meeting of new Inclusion Ambassadors group
Children in Scotland have welcomed the latest Inclusion Ambassadors group, who met for the first time in June
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24 June 2021 ‘Involve us in decisions about our education’: core message from young people echoed by OECD report
Children in Scotland has welcomed the findings of the OECD’s report on Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence as echoing core recommendations made by young people the charity has worked with.
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23 June 2021 Military enlistment age must be raised to 18
A letter published today, signed by Children in Scotland, calls for the Ministry of Defence to raise the age of recruitment to 18 years old.
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21 June 2021 'Get into Summer' to make young people's health a priority
Children in Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government’s £20million ’Get into Summer’ funding package aimed at creating opportunities for children and young people most impacted by Covid to socialise, play and reconnect over the school holidays.
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4 June 2021 Last ever edition of Children in Scotland magazine
The latest edition of Children in Scotland magazine is now available. Celebrating the theme of new beginnings, it also marks the last issue of the magazine in its current form.
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20 May 2021 Project launched to understand participation through the pandemic
Children in Scotland is launching a year-long national peer research project for young people to lead on creating a new understanding of participation through the pandemic.
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4 May 2021 Recruitment opens for national Inclusion Ambassador group
Applications are now being sought for the next cohort of the Inclusion Ambassadors group
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3 May 2021 Joint Interim Chief Executives take up roles
Three members of Children in Scotland’s Leadership Team have taken on the roles of Joint Interim Chief Executives following the departure of Jackie Brock, who left the organisation on Friday after nine years in post as CEO.
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2 April 2021 Reduced staffing from 5-16 April
A number of Children in Scotland staff will be on leave or furlough over the period 5 – 16 April, resulting in reduced activity and capacity to respond to requests.
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30 March 2021 Question time for politicians at Voices Forum hustings
Representatives from Scotland’s five main political parties were grilled on their commitment to children, young people and families.
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19 March 2021 Net zero nation: Citizen action must be facilitated by policymakers
Children in Scotland respond to the Scottish Governments draft public engagement strategy on climate change
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9 March 2021 “Health and wellbeing must be at the heart of the planning process”
Children in Scotland respond to the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework Position Statement
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4 March 2021 Launch of Young People’s Manifesto helps make political ideas more accessible for all
Ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May, we’ve launched a Children and Young People’s Version of our Manifesto for 2021-26
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3 March 2021 Children in Scotland CEO Jackie Brock to step down from role, charity announces
Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive Jackie Brock will be stepping down from her post in the spring.
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23 February 2021 Shetland childcare provider wins small business of the year accolade
A childcare provider supported by the Access to Childcare Fund has won a major business award in recognition of how it responded to the challenges of coronavirus
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22 February 2021 Booking opens for unique online Learning Week
Our first ever Learning Week offers five days of sharing, learning and connecting.
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15 February 2021 Children in Scotland magazine celebrates 20 years
Find out more about the latest issue of our magazine
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16 December 2020 New measures to support autistic pupils welcome, but we must not lose momentum
Children in Scotland respond to the announcement of new measures to support pupils with autism
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15 December 2020 The Children in Scotland magazine December edition is out now
Find out more about the latest edition of Children in Scotland magazine
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11 December 2020 Inclusion Ambassadors share experiences of school after lockdown
Inclusion Ambassadors share their experiences of returning to school after the national lockdown
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7 December 2020 New film shares learning from early years family support partnership project
A new film about the learning and recommendations that emerged from Children in Scotland’s Open Kindergartens early years family support project is available now.
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24 November 2020 Scotland has become the first country in the world to introduce free universal access to period products
Children in Scotland welcome the vote to pass the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill
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6 November 2020 Equal Protection Act comes into force: "Years of collective effort have finally paid off"
Our Head of Policy, Projects and Participation comments on the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) Act, which comes into force tomorrow
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6 November 2020 Blast from the past: Young people learn to connect heritage, modernity and personal identity
A new report from our Heritage Hunter's project shows how it has connected young people with the past
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27 October 2020 Providers and policymakers meet to discuss out of school services to mitigate poverty as Access to Childcare Fund Network launches
A special online event today marks the commencement of the Access to Childcare Fund Network, which brings together providers supported by the Fund, experts on Scotland’s out of school care sector and child poverty, and representatives from the Scottish Government.
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21 October 2020 ASL review action plan welcome, but actions speak louder than words
Children in Scotland respond to the Scottish Government's Additional Support for Learning action plan
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16 October 2020 Young people to lead new diversity in education participatory project
Children in Scotland is bringing together a group of children and young people to get involved in a new participatory project focusing on diversity in Scottish education.
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7 October 2020 Exams review decision ‘reflects commitment to equalities and values young people’s views’
Children in Scotland has responded to this afternoon’s announcement by the Scottish Government that in 2021 National 5 exams will be replaced by a system where grades are awarded based on coursework and teacher judgement.
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9 September 2020 Announcing the appointment of two new Board Directors
We're delighted to welcome Rohan Gunatillake and Ben Supple to the Children in Scotland Board
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3 September 2020 Our view on the Programme for Government: Positive pledges on youth jobs and climate, more ambition needed on family support and fighting poverty
We've responded to Tuesday’s publication of the Programme for Government.
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12 August 2020 Panel on Europe issues letter to John Swinney urging support for right to education through Brexit
This morning the Children and Young People's Panel on Europe sent a letter to Cabinet Secretary for Education John Swinney asking for a meeting to discuss their views avout what the Scottish Government can do to ensure young people’s right to education is supported as the UK leaves the EU.
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27 July 2020 Children in Scotland CEO to support work of The Promise, delivering on Care Review’s calls
Children in Scotland’s CEO Jackie Brock has taken up the offer of supporting Fiona Duncan, Chair of the Independent Care Review, to establish The Promise team and work programme
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8 July 2020 New resource for children and young people summarises ASL review findings
Our new resource helps to communicate the review into Additional Support for Learning (ASL) for children and young people using accessible language.
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2 July 2020 Young people to lead new Living Museums project
A group of 14 to 21-year olds will help shape how museums engage with young people as part of Living Museums, launched today.
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9 June 2020 ‘Lessons for a new social settlement’ – publication of reports mark completion of groundbreaking five-year food project
Children in Scotland has marked the completion of its long-running Food, Families, Futures (FFF) project with the publication of two reports evidencing the success and impact of the partnership.
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5 June 2020 Proportion of Children in Scotland staff to be furloughed for three-week period
Children in Scotland has announced today that it will be furloughing some of its staff for a three-week period during June.
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2 June 2020 New project aims to empower the Third Sector
Building on the success of the National Third Sector GIRFEC Project, Children in Scotland continues its commitment to supporting third sector organisations to become equal partners in Children and Families Services, through the launch of our new Supporting the Third Sector Project.
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28 May 2020 “We cannot witness another generation of young people going through this” – our staff share project learning in response to latest child poverty research
Children in Scotland has responded to publication by the End Child Poverty coalition last week of new research showing a marked rise in child poverty rates across the UK over the past six years.
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14 May 2020 Damage to environment children's key concern in new Crown Estate report
Young people's views on the topic have been published and will influence the Crown Estate Scotland's 2020-2023 Corporate Plan.
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8 May 2020 Changing Gears project to capture young people’s views on cycling, safety and health
We've launched a new project to find out what children and young people think about cycling, safety and the Bikeability programme, the cycle training programme run in primary schools by Cycling Scotland.
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27 March 2020 To support children in the fight against this virus, we need your voices, knowledge and expertise
In response to Covid-19, Children in Scotland is emphasising its role as a representative body for the children’s sector that can unite people to support children and families.
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20 March 2020 Mobilise third sector services to give children and communities support in the fight against Covid-19
Children in Scotland has responded to yesterday’s statement by John Swinney on schooling and childcare in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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20 March 2020 Changes to our learning programme announced
As everyone deals with the impact of Covid-19, our Learning & Events team is developing alternative ways of delivering training, including a new webinar series
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11 March 2020 Childcare expansion: prioritise quality and inclusive practice, and ensure that the child’s experience is central
We've responded to the issues raised by today’s debate in the Scottish Parliament on childcare expansion and the recent publication of the Audit Scotland report
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9 March 2020 Preparing for Coronavirus COVID-19. Updated 17/3/20
Like other organisations throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK, Children in Scotland is making preparations for the impact of Coronavirus.
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4 March 2020 Effective engagement with staff and parents 'key to successful childcare expansion'
Children in Scotland respond to the latest ELC expansion consultation
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2 March 2020 The rights of children and families must be at the heart of housing policy
Children in Scotland has published its consultation response to the Scottish Government’s draft vision for our homes and communities in 2040.
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20 February 2020 More knowledge, flexibility and consistent support: young people’s recommendations to the ASL review
The Inclusion Ambassadors group has made a series of recommendations to the independently-chaired review into the implementation of additional support for learning, calling for more knowledge, flexibility and consistent support.
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5 February 2020 Collective understanding and support across Scottish society will help deliver Care Review’s vision
Children in Scotland has welcomed today’s publication of the Independent Care Review and pledged support to deliver on its vision.
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15 January 2020 Sector support for Scotland's first ever period poverty Bill
Children in Scotland have signed an open letter urging for support of the Period Products Bill
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10 December 2019 "Stand firm on human rights", civil society groups urge party leaders
Children in Scotland has signed a letter urging for protection of rights, published on Human Rights Day 2019
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6 December 2019 Inclusion Ambassadors film to get London screening
A film created by a group of Scottish inclusion Ambassadors is to be screened in London this weekend
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22 November 2019 UNCRC incorporation 'to the max' is right and welcome
We respond to the Scottish Government's announcement that they are committed to a 'maximalist' approach to incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots Law
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20 November 2019 Making rights real: new digital accessibility resource launches
We’ve launched a new resource allowing visitors to our website to customise content so that they can access it in ways that work best for them.
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11 September 2019 Leave of absence for CEO and appointment of Joint Acting Chief Executives
For family reasons Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive, Jackie Brock, will be taking a leave of absence from the role, from mid-September until the end of the year.
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11 September 2019 Children's voice at heart of new participation and engagement guidelines
Our new refreshed guidelines for the meaningful engagement of children and young people has now been launched
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4 September 2019 2019-20 Programme for Government: our verdict
Children in Scotland has responded to yesterday’s publication of the Programme for Government.
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3 September 2019 New EU Children’s Commissioner ‘would help deliver on children’s rights’
Children in Scotland has given its support to an international petition urging the appointment of an EU Commissioner for Children. The petition, launched by Eurochild, argues that despite the European Commission proposing laws on many aspects of children’s lives, the voices of children are rarely heard in those policies.
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28 August 2019 Scottish Government "must act on UNCRC incorporation now"
We respond to the Scottish Government's consultation on incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
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14 August 2019 Out now: New wellbeing resource for teachers and practitioners
Children in Scotland has produced a new resource for teachers and practitioners to support children and young people’s understanding of their wellbeing.
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27 June 2019 We applaud the fast-tracking of the new Child Payment. Now let's focus on the next steps in tackling poverty
Children in Scotland yesterday welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that a new Scottish Child Payment will be introduced
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20 June 2019 GRA reform is a fundamental equality and rights issue for trans young people. So why delay it?
We've responded to the announcement by the Scottish Government of a delay to reform of the Gender Recognition Act.
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14 June 2019 Events team scoops three major awards following record-breaking year
Children in Scotland’s Learning and Events team won an unprecedented three awards at last night’s prestigious EventIt E Awards .
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12 June 2019 The case for P1 tests has still not been made
Children in Scotland has reiterated its opposition to P1 testing following publication of a review which recommended that tests continue following “modifications”.
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6 June 2019 Apply now to be one of our young board members
Children in Scotland is looking for two young people aged 18-26 to join its Board of Directors.
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3 June 2019 New project empowers young researchers to tackle health inequalities
Scotland’s health issues are well documented. Despite improvements across a range of health indicators we continue to experience some of the worst health and widest health inequalities in Europe. A new project will empower young researchers to explore and tackle health inequalities in their communities
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3 June 2019 New resource aims to support children and young people's engagement with heritage
Children in Scotland has launched a new resource, aimed at supporting practitioners working with young people, with a particular focus on the area of heritage.
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23 May 2019 Young Ambassadors and Children's Commissioner call for an end to stigma of food insecurity
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Bruce Adamson, joined Scotland’s young ‘Food Ambassadors’ from Easterhouse, Glasgow, at a special event in Edinburgh to support the Children’s #Right2Food Charter at the Scotland launch of the Children’s Future Food Inquiry’s final report.
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16 May 2019 Creating safety in the arts, as new guidance launches
Creating Safety: child protection in the arts is a resource produced in May 2019 by Children in Scotland in collaboration with Creative Scotland. It provides guidance on child protection and safeguarding for individuals and organisations involved in delivering artistic, cultural and creative projects for or with children and young people in Scotland.
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10 May 2019 Children in Scotland Convenor steps down from role
Due to illness, Dr Dame Denise Coia has had to step down as Convener of Children in Scotland with immediate effect.
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8 May 2019 Evidence Bank resource shares the voices and views of children and young people
The Children and Young People's Evidence Bank is an online resource that directly captures the voices of children and young people on a range of diverse subjects.
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17 April 2019 National forum’s child policy mission strengthened by new membership
A national group which identifies children's sector-wide solutions has welcomed new members. The Children’s Sector Strategic and Policy Forum, led by Children in Scotland, will benefit from additional expertise, representation and skills following the election of five new members.
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5 April 2019 Family lives today: where’s the harm?
Unintentional injury is a major cause of death and one of the most common causes of hospital admissions for children in Scotland.
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29 March 2019 New mainstreaming guidance welcome – but gap between policy and young people’s lived experience must be resolved
Children in Scotland welcomes the publication of new guidance on the presumption of mainstreaming, and research on additional support for learning, published by the Scottish Government.
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7 March 2019 Inclusion in Action: Call-out for inclusion resources to share internationally
The Inclusive Education in Action (IEA) website, a collaborative project by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE), is looking for resources and case studies to feature.
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28 February 2019 Equal Protection law would support Scotland’s ambitions to be a world leader in human rights
Following a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Equality and Human Rights Committee on Thursday 28 February, where MSPs heard evidence on the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1, Children in Scotland is reiterating its long-held support for the legislation.
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25 February 2019 2021 Elections to the Children's Sector Strategic and Policy Forum
In 2019, the Forum will become a 24-member group. There are 12 places available at this time, with a range of positions filled by current Forum members.
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25 February 2019 Elections to the Children's Sector Strategic and Policy Forum
In 2019, the Forum will become a 24-member group. There are 12 places available at this time, with a range of positions filled by current Forum members.
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8 February 2019 Food education is on the menu as International School Meals Day 2019 launches
International School Meals Day aims to encourage children and young people around the world (with support from their teachers) to connect and talk to each other about the food they eat and the role that it plays in their lives.
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1 February 2019 Children in Scotland awarded LGBT Charter Silver award
Children in Scotland is delighted to have been awarded the LGBT Charter Silver award by LGBT Youth Scotland which was achieved at the end of 2018.
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28 January 2019 Closure of Glasgow’s Legacy Hub nursery ‘devastating’ for children
Children in Scotland’s Head of Inclusion and project manager of CHANGE: Childcare and Nurture, Glasgow East, Sally Cavers responds to the announcement that the Legacy Hub and the nursery within it, in the Parkhead / Dalmarnock area of Glasgow, has gone into administration.
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28 January 2019 Children should not be criminalised – raise the age of responsibility to 16
While the Scottish Government has proposed to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 8 years of age to 12, Children in Scotland is joining partners across the children and young people’s sector in calling for this to be increased to a minimum of 14, and preferably to 16 or even 18.
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31 October 2018 Scotland’s young Heritage Hunters find how past links to present and informs their future
Scotland’s past is under the microscope as the six-month progress report on our Heritage Hunters young people’s participation project is published.
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17 October 2018 Children in Scotland proud to support Stonewall’s Come Out for Trans Equality campaign
We’re proud to be a part of Stonewall’s Come Out for Trans Equality campaign to show trans communities the huge amount of support they have behind them.
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19 September 2018 Kindness and fairness ‘key to excellent teaching’, children say
Kindness and fairness ‘key to excellent teaching’, children say.
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19 September 2018 After today’s vote, it’s time to reconsider P1 testing
The Scottish Government has been defeated in a vote calling on ministers to stop P1 testing. Our CEO Jackie Brock responds
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13 September 2018 Mental health report finds provision is failing to meet the needs of children and young people
A major report on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) warns that the current system is still geared towards specialist care and responding to crisis, rather than early intervention and prevention.
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6 September 2018 Fundraising on the menu as MasterChef Gary Maclean supports charity event
MasterChef champion Gary Maclean will be creating a four-course menu in aid of charity, as he supports our Food, Families, Futures charity partner Meals & More for a fundraising event.
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6 September 2018 Three new animations launched to help pupils feel more informed about their rights at school
Three children’s rights animations have been launched by REACH to help pupils understand their rights to be supported, listened to and involved in decisions about the help they need at school.
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4 September 2018 Programme for Government roundup and reaction
Children in Scotland reacts to key policy announcements from the Scottish Government's programme for government 2018-19.
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29 August 2018 ‘No legal basis’ for compulsory P1 testing, new information reveals
Jackie Brock comments further on the Scottish Government's testing policy as it emerges there is no legal basis for compulsory assessment
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27 August 2018 Free sanitary products for pupils and students across Scotland
The Scottish Government has announced that a new £5.2m fund will provide free sanitary products to every school, college and university in Scotland in time for the beginning of the new academic year.
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24 August 2018 Children, parents and teachers could pay price for testing policy
News item warning about impact of tests on P1 children, with quote from Children in Scotland CEO Jackie Brock.
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17 August 2018 Young Scots invited to design new Baby Box
Children in Scotland is part of a new project to help design the next generation Baby Box
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16 August 2018 Children in Scotland endorses second stage of Upstart Scotland's Play Not Tests campaign
The second stage of the Play Not Tests campaign launched this week, highlighting P1 tests are not mandatory
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17 July 2018 National Chef Gary Maclean visits Clydebank High School
Scotland’s first National Chef, and winner of Masterchef: The Professionals, Gary Maclean, visited Clydebank High School last week, as part of our Food Families Futures summer work
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2 July 2018 Children in Scotland food project offers 20,000 places to children and families this summer
From 2 July, children across Scotland will be participating in summer clubs run as part of our award-winning Food, Families, Futures (FFF) partnership programme.
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26 June 2018 Postponement of Bill ‘opens way for more evidence-based education approach’
Children in Scotland welcome the postponement of the Scottish Government's Education Bill
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13 June 2018 New reports assess practice and leadership in Scotland’s Integrated Children’s Services
Social Work Scotland has published new reports on how Scotland’s Integrated Children’s Services might improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.
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10 May 2018 Child protection procedures ‘should be standardised’ across all Scottish hospitals
Children in Scotland Chief Executive Jackie Brock has today called for standardised child protection procedures across all Scottish hospitals in order to prevent more child deaths.
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2 May 2018 Childcare system ‘unusable’ for working parents, say campaigners
Campaign group Fair Funding for Our Kids have voiced their concerns about the current Scottish childcare system in an exclusive interview with Children in Scotland Magazine
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25 April 2018 New resources for inclusive education
New resources from the European Agency for Special Needs in Inclusive Education (EASNIE) serve as an "invaluable resource for influencing inclusive education in Scotland" says National Co-ordinator for Scotland, Sally Cavers
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24 April 2018 Why young children need Play Not Tests
Children in Scotland is supporting the new Upstart Scotland campaign, Play Not Tests. As part of the campaign, Upstart has published a dossier calling for the Scottish Government to abandon formal testing in P1 and instead endorse “the play-based pedagogy outlined in the Curriculum for Excellence”.
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15 March 2018 My Food on the menu for International School Meals Day 2018
International School Meals Day (ISMD), held today, aims to encourage young people around the world, with support from their teachers, to connect and talk to each other about the food they eat and the role it plays in their lives.
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1 March 2018 25 Calls to change children’s lives for the better
To celebrate our 25th anniversary we're looking to the future.
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28 February 2018 Children in Scotland to manage National Third Sector GIRFEC project
Children in Scotland is due to take on management of the National Third Sector Getting it Right for Every Child Project.
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15 February 2018 Children in Scotland benefits from Gillespie Macandrew charity programme
Children in Scotland have received funding from law firm Gillespie Macandrew as part of their corporate social responsibility programme
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14 February 2018 Co-producing meals will help target obesity and support healthy eating
We respond to the Scottish Government's consultation on A Healthier Future
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13 February 2018 "Commitment to inclusion must be reinforced at every level"
We respond to the Scottish Government's consultation on the Presumption of Mainstreaming
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9 February 2018 Understanding Intermediaries’ impact – new resource launched
Scottish Government and Evaluation Support Scotland launched a new resource which aims to provide clarity and information about the role and impact of intermediaries and their impact.
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7 February 2018 Launch of landmark pupil participation project
Children in Scotland and the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) have launched a landmark engagement project with school-age children to review and refresh the Professional Values section of the Teaching Standards for Scotland.
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10 January 2018 Children’s rights extended as new legislation comes into force
Children aged 12-15 have had their rights extended under new additional support for learning legislation which comes into force today (Wed 10 Jan).
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4 January 2018 Children in Scotland’s core funding for 2018-19 confirmed
We are pleased to have received confirmation of our funding for the 2018-19 financial year.
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11 December 2017 Free sanitary products ‘a small but significant step to tackling gender inequality’
We fully support Monica Lennon MSP’s proposals to provide sanitary products free of charge in schools, colleges and community and health centres across Scotland.
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5 December 2017 Food partnership triumphs in public service awards
The Food, Families, Futures partnership programme has secured another prestigious award.
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1 December 2017 Additional support service strengthens its online offer to children and families
Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, has re-launched its website.
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30 November 2017 ‘My food’ is on the menu as International School Meals Day 2018 launches
The 6th annual International School Meals Day launches for 2018, with the theme of 'My Food'.
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28 November 2017 Principles and guidelines for working with young people published
We’ve published our principles and guidelines for the participation and engagement of children and young people in our work.
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22 November 2017 Children’s Hospices should extend hospital and community work across Scotland, report recommends
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is improving delivery of and access to palliative care through its work in hospitals and communities and the approach should be extended across Scotland, states an independent report, commissioned by the charity and produced by Children in Scotland.
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21 November 2017 Steps to reduce poverty-related attainment gap welcome, but concern over measurement of change
Children in Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government consultation on the measurement framework of the National Improvement Framework, voicing support for the aims, but warning of concerns to do with assessment.
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21 November 2017 An Equal Future? Scotland’s next steps for including LGBT children and young people
LGBT Youth Scotland and Children in Scotland are pleased to announce a landmark one-day conference that will explore the practical steps required to fulfil our ambitions for an inclusive Scotland.
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15 November 2017 Partnership programme shortlisted for sector award
Children in Scotland’s Food, Families, Futures partnership project has been commended for its contribution to communities across Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire, and has been shortlisted for a prestigious Scottish Public Service Award.
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10 November 2017 500 delegates meet, share and learn at sector event of the year
This week saw us deliver our annual two-day conference, attended by more than 500 delegates from across Scotland and further afield.
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8 November 2017 Speaking up for child rights at major European event
Children in Scotland’s Policy Manager, Marion Macleod, is speaking up in support of the rights and protection of all children at a major international event.
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8 November 2017 Information Sharing Bill must go ahead to allow time for ‘much-needed improvements’, sector groups say
Alongside Aberlour and ten other children’s sector organisations, we have written to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee urging them to approve the Information Sharing Bill at Stage One.
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2 November 2017 Food project partner Dalmarnock Primary triumph in Herald Society awards
Dalmarnock Primary has scooped a major award in recognition of its success offering meals and fun activities for local families as part of Children in Scotland’s Food, Families Futures programme.
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30 October 2017 Government’s new Champion for Children and Young People aims for more integrated approach to policymaking
In her new role as Scottish Government Champion for Children and Young People, Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans will be working with the Children in Scotland Strategic Forum to help achieve a more cohesive approach across government to policy-making for children and young people.
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27 October 2017 STEM Strategy targets gender bias and skills improvement
The Scottish Government has published its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Education and Training Strategy for Scotland.
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19 October 2017 Equal protection for children moves closer to reality
Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive Jackie Brock has responded to the announcement that the Scottish Government will fully support John Finnie MSP’s bill to give children equal protection from assault.
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18 October 2017 Children in Scotland backs call to end benefit freeze
Children in Scotland, along with more than forty organisations from Scottish civil society, have joined forces to call for an end to the benefit freeze
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16 October 2017 An holistic approach to fair funding for education
Children in Scotland has called for a more holistic approach to education funding so that money is targeted effectively and contributes to narrowing the attainment gap.
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13 October 2017 Brexit threat to legal rights of 1 in 10 children
One in 10 UK children could be at risk of losing significant protections in relation to cross-border family law as a result of Brexit, according to a report from Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights).
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11 October 2017 Military recruitment age ‘must be raised to 18’
Children in Scotland, alongside 12 other children’s rights groups, has supported calls to raise the raise the age of military recruitment to 18.
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22 September 2017 Government urged to solve P1 ‘puzzle’
Scotland’s children are losing out because of a teaching conflict at the heart of the early primary level, a leading writer and campaigner has warned.
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19 September 2017 New website, new era
Today Children in Scotland launches a new website as part of a wider update of our visual identity, communications and voice.
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21 August 2017 Family voices ‘should shape policy' on food, learning and holidays
In a letter published in the Herald newspaper today, our Chief Executive Jackie Brock responded to a call by the Scottish Conservatives that schools should stay open as “community hubs” during the summer holidays, drawing on Children in Scotland’s learning from our Food, Families, Futures partnership project.
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3 August 2017 Holiday hunger survey: Members’ views wanted
The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hunger and Food Poverty has opened a survey on the prevalence of holiday hunger, and has invited Children in Scotland members to respond.
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28 July 2017 Reach website “an advice service like no other” – SYP
An online advice portal, designed by young people for young people, has received high praise from the Scottish Youth Parliament and is being recommended as a resource by all MSYPs.
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25 July 2017 School pupils' views on STEM: Engineering and Maths 'need boost'
Schools need more support for Engineering activities and to make Maths as interesting and enjoyable as possible for pupils, a Children in Scotland report has found.
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19 July 2017 Messages around healthy eating “muddled”, says Scots Masterchef
The public health messages around healthy living are “muddled”, and learning to cook should be recognised as an important life lesson, award-winning chef Gary Maclean has said.
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14 July 2017 Championing participation, challenging inequalities and leading the workforce: our key priorities
Children in Scotland has published its strategic priorities for the next four years, making commitments to champion the needs and voices of children, young people and their families, as well as continue to lead the children’s sector workforce.
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4 July 2017 ‘Societal issues that undermine young people’s chances compromise gains from early years support’
Naomi Eisenstadt, the Scottish Government’s Independent Advisor on Poverty and Inequality, published her second report yesterday (3 July). The report makes 18 recommendations focusing on the later years of childhood and the transition into adulthood.
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30 June 2017 Response to Equally Safe delivery plan: we must educate to prevent
Children in Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its Equally Safe Draft Delivery Plan, supporting the priority areas highlighted but identifying some crucial missing links.
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23 June 2017 Before and beyond
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23 June 2017 A radical new beginning
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23 June 2017 A modest proposal
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23 June 2017 Relationships are the foundations for change
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19 June 2017 Call to prioritise children's rights in Brexit process
As Brexit negotiations begin in Brussels today, Children in Scotland has joined more than 1,800 organisations across the UK and Europe to call for assurances that the rights of children and young people will be prioritised in the process.
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9 June 2017 Celebrate young voters’ impact – and listen to them on Brexit
As an organisation that has always championed young people’s participation, today we celebrate the fact that an estimated 72% of 18-24 year olds turned out to vote in the UK General Election.
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1 June 2017 An opportunity to strengthen the Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill
Children in Scotland has urged MSPs to push for the inclusion of measures that will strengthen the Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill, as it is debated today in the Scottish Parliament.
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23 May 2017 Review of Parental Involvement Act published
The National Parent Forum of Scotland has published it's Review of the Impact of the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006, recognising the benefits that the Act has achieved, but calling for further partnership working between parents and practitioners.
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12 May 2017 Children in Scotland supports Equal Protection consultation
Children in Scotland supports John Finnie MSP’s proposal to introduce a Member’s Bill that will introduce equal protection for children from assault.
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5 May 2017 After the vote, a chance for councillors to deliver on our election calls
Following the results of the local council elections, Children in Scotland has called on all new and returning councillors to put children, young people and families at the heart of all local decision-making.
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3 May 2017 Children in Scotland calls become pledges in party manifestos
Calls from Children in Scotland to promote and strengthen the rights and experiences of children and young people are supported across the local election manifestos of Scotland’s main political parties.
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1 May 2017 School support staff shortage 'must be tackled'
The shortage of specialist support staff in schools is having a negative impact on the outcomes of children and young people with learning disabilities and on teachers’ mental health, Children in Scotland believes.
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25 April 2017 Holiday Hunger report 'a wake-up call that flags local solutions'
The life chances of up to three million children in the UK are under threat due to their risk of going hungry during school holidays.
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24 April 2017 Children’s intimate healthcare needs in schools must be met. So who’s responsible?
Children in Scotland is calling for clearer guidance on the role of school staff in meeting pupils’ healthcare needs.
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19 April 2017 Calls for a holistic, preventative approach to tackling health inequalities
Children in Scotland has backed calls made by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee to take a more holistic approach in the health prevention agenda, and urged more engagement with children and young people in the process.
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18 April 2017 Wanted: real participation for young people, not party politics
Following the announcement today that the Prime Minister is seeking to hold a general election on 8 June, Children in Scotland Chief Executive Jackie Brock said:
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18 April 2017 Shared frustration over smacking law reform
Jackie Brock, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, has voiced her “frustration” at lack of progress in protecting children from violence.
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1 September 2021 Inclusion Ambassadors report recommends action to help children and young people with additional support needs feel supported and included in school
The first annual report of Scotland’s Inclusion Ambassadors has been published today, calling for more activity to ensure those with additional support needs feel supported at school.
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22 June 2021 Judith Turbyne appointed as new Chief Executive of Children in Scotland
Dr Judith Turbyne is to be the new Chief Executive of national charity Children in Scotland. Currently Head of Engagement at the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), she will start in the post on 30 August 2021.
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3 June 2021 ‘No detriment on appeals’: call for urgent change to exams certification process ahead of Scottish Parliament Education Debate
Children in Scotland is supporting calls on an urgent change to the exams appeals process
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18 March 2021 Radical wellbeing-focused redesign of Scottish Government budget key to post-Covid renewal
A major report published today (18 March) calls for the Scottish Government to introduce wellbeing budgeting to improve lives for children as part of a radical systems change in the wake of the coronavirus.
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5 February 2021 New Emerging Minds project will look at how live music could boost young people’s mental health
A unique multi-partner research project will examine evidence for the impact of live music experiences on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people
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4 February 2021 All local services providing childcare or play for children and young people need to be ‘here to stay’: funded on a long-term, secure basis, major four-year project finds
The final report of a major Scottish childcare project makes a series of calls about how to improve childcare in local communities and through changes to national policy.
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25 November 2020 Funding, rights, travel and trade top concerns for young people in Scotland’s post-Brexit relationship with Europe
The Children and Young People's Panel on Europe has issued a series of calls about Scotland and the UK’s future relationship with Europe as part of their landmark participation work
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13 November 2020 2021-26 Manifesto launches with calls to put wellbeing at the heart of Scottish budget, include under-16s in Citizens’ Assemblies, target air pollution and introduce a ‘hobby premium’
Children in Scotland today launches its Manifesto for the 2021-26 Scottish Parliament, backed by national and local organisations from across the children’s sector.
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11 September 2020 Organisations from Shetland to Shettleston announced as successful applicants to Access to Childcare Fund
Fifteen childcare providers from across Scotland have been announced as the successful applicants to the Access to Childcare Fund.
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6 July 2020 New fund will strengthen access to out of school childcare for low-income families
A new fund launched today aims to make childcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for low income families.
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1 April 2020 Childcare expansion delay must not risk losing long-term focus on reducing inequalities for children and families
In response to the Scottish Government’s decision to remove the legal obligation for councils to deliver additional hours of funded childcare by the August deadline, Children in Scotland has stressed the need to view future expansion as an opportunity to secure positive outcomes for children.
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16 March 2020 “We know them best” – Report captures what children want from their teachers
Children and young people across Scotland have contributed their views on what makes a good teacher and how they can best be supported through their teaching career.
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5 February 2020 Young people’s peer research into health inequalities launched
Children in Scotland today launched a new peer research report into health inequalities in communities, undertaken by young researchers from Dalmarnock Primary School in Glasgow and Baldragon Academy in Dundee.
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31 January 2020 On Brexit day, young people’s voices on our relationship with Europe matter more than ever
On the day the UK leaves the EU, charities Children in Scotland and Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) are calling for young people’s voices to be included in discussion on the UK’s future relationship with Europe, including in negotiations about rights, trade and EU funding
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5 December 2019 Children in Scotland Manifesto for the next UK Government
One week before polling day, a partnership of 19 children’s organisations led by national charity Children in Scotland has launched an alternative Manifesto detailing actions that must be taken by the new UK Government to transform children’s lives.
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19 November 2019 New phase of Children and Young People’s Panel on Europe will ensure young voices are heard in Brexit negotiations
Young people will again have the chance to advise the Scottish Government on issues they would like to be considered as part of Brexit negotiations with Westminster and the European Union as a landmark participation project enters a new phase.
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24 September 2019 Young people with care experience at the heart of new project
Children in Scotland and Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum (Staf) are delighted to announce their partnership with young people with care experience to design and deliver the evaluation of a ground-breaking new initiative in Scotland.
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20 September 2019 It's time to follow young people's lead on climate change
Children in Scotland is pleased to support today’s Global Climate Strike action, which demands radical progress on climate change from the Scottish and UK governments.
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23 August 2019 Food, Families, Futures project serves up fun activities and 3,500 meals over the summer
An award-winning food programme delivered across Scotland has again provided hundreds of children with nutritious meals, activities and positive social experiences over the summer holiday period. The Food, Families, Futures (FFF) project, run by Children in Scotland, has been active in seven local authorities during the 2019 summer break, welcoming more than 200 children and providing approximately 3,500 meals.
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26 June 2019 Unique storybook captures reality of young mums’ lives
A unique new storybook capturing the challenges and joys of being a young mum will be launched in Edinburgh today.
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25 April 2019 "We're not doing well enough on child mental health," First Minister tells young people from across Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon has told an audience of young people about ‘horrific’ comments on her social media channels, why her government is not doing well enough on mental health, that she would still ‘dingy’ Donald Trump – and why she hated her first job.
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21 February 2019 Call for action on EU funding and opportunities to work, study and travel abroad as young people reveal top Brexit concerns
Young people from across Scotland have made recommendations on EU funding; opportunities to work, study and travel in other countries; the economy, trade and jobs; upholding human rights; and Brexit uncertainty as they share key concerns about their relationship with Europe.
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11 February 2019 Scotland’s most powerful politician to be questioned by children and young people as First Minister’s Question Time: Next Generation returns
The special First Minister’s Question Time for children and young people returns to our screens this April. The show will broadcast from Edinburgh with youngsters again having the chance to ask questions of Nicola Sturgeon on issues they care about.
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30 January 2019 Young carers’ views on heritage showcased at People’s Story exhibition
Examples of local heritage chosen by a group of young carers will go on display for eight weeks from this Saturday (2 February) as part of a special exhibition in the city.
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7 December 2018 Parents tell the Deputy First Minister that their autistic children are Not Included, Not Engaged and Not Involved in their education
Almost 3,000 people have signed a letter calling for the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney MSP, to address the barriers autistic children face to accessing education
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5 December 2018 Young people call on MPs to answer urgent questions on EU funding, travel, trade and jobs in EU Withdrawal debate
As MPs at Westminster begin debating the EU Withdrawal Agreement, children and young people are making clear what their top priorities are about Brexit – and urging MPs to raise their concerns.
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8 November 2018 Children in Scotland welcomes "historic" LGBTI inclusive education announcement
We welcome the announcement made by John Swinney today (8 November) that the Scottish Government is to accept the recommendations of the LGBTI inclusive working group.
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7 November 2018 Young people’s worsening mental health and bullying in schools ‘direct consequence of UK’s inequality’, Children in Scotland conference to hear
School bullying and mental health problems are significantly worse in more unequal societies such as the UK, national charity Children in Scotland’s annual conference (held today and tomorrow, 7 and 8 November) will hear.
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26 October 2018 Pupils’ views in the spotlight, as exciting education initiative gets underway
Children and young people will have more of a say in their education, thanks to a new Learner Panel that has been launched today with Deputy First Minister John Swinney at the Scottish Parliament, as part of the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People 2018
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11 October 2018 ‘Change the language of poverty for young people’ is #1 call in Children in Scotland’s 25th anniversary campaign
Organisations across the children’s sector and beyond have joined Children in Scotland on its 25thanniversary in making 25 Calls (listed below) to improve the lives of children and young people in Scotland.
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25 September 2018 Not Included, Not Engaged, Not Involved: Survey finds autistic children are missing out on education
Children in Scotland and partners have published a major report into the experiences of autistic children missing school.
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14 September 2018 First Minister challenged by young people on mental health support and Brexit aftermath
Press release about young people challenging Nicola Sturgeon on FMQT (First Minister's Questions: Next Generation)
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20 August 2018 New panel to ensure issues affecting children and young people are heard in Brexit negotiations
In a landmark participation project, children and young people will have the opportunity to advise the Scottish Government on the issues they would like to be considered in Brexit negotiations with Westminster.
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8 August 2018 “The future looks bleak”: children’s sector voices anxiety over rights, services and opportunities post-Brexit
Representatives from 45 national organisations, local youth service providers and schools, alongside 10 frontline experts in the sector, have added their voices to growing alarm over Brexit’s likely impact on children.
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30 July 2018 First ever First Minister’s Question Time for Children and Young People launched as part of Year of Young People 2018
In a landmark participation project, children and young people will have the opportunity to scrutinise the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, as First Minister’s Question Time is taken out of Holyrood and across Scotland.
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2 July 2018 20,000+ club places available to children and families this summer as part of award-winning food project
From today children across Scotland will again be participating in our award-winning food partnership programme, Food, Families, Futures (FFF).
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12 June 2018 New project puts young people’s voices at the heart of Scotland's Brexit debate and negotiations
A group of young people from across Scotland will help set the agenda on Brexit as part of a new project to amplify their voices in the EU withdrawal process.
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21 May 2018 Children in Scotland to manage new Early Learning and Childcare Inclusion Fund
Children in Scotland will manage a new fund aimed at supporting early learning and childcare settings to meet the needs of children with additional support needs.
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30 March 2018 Child Poverty Delivery Plan welcome, but Scottish Government must be 'more proactive'
We responded to the publication of Scotland's first Child Poverty Delivery Plan
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27 March 2018 Children and young people to lead 'media takeover' in Scotland
Children and young people from across Scotland will take over programmes and online content on a leading media outlet as part of a major participation project planned for later this year.
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23 March 2018 Facebook data breach represents 'blatant undermining of children's rights'
The mining and sharing of Facebook data without users’ consent blatantly disregarded the rights of children and young people, Children in Scotland warns.
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15 March 2018 Edinburgh charity worker Grant Douglas collects Queen’s Honour for services to disabled people
Grant Douglas, Founder and CEO of S’up Products Ltd, will today (Thursday 15 March) collect his MBE at Buckingham Palace, London.
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14 February 2018 Co-producing school meals with pupils and families 'will help target obesity and support healthy eating'
Children in Scotland is calling for greater involvement of pupils and parents in preparing food at schools as a way of targeting obesity and addressing healthy eating.
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2 February 2018 Scottish Government 'worryingly silent' on teacher excellence - but school pupils won't be
A new project run by Children in Scotland, in partnership with the General Teaching Council of Scotland, will give children and young people the opportunity to make a vital contribution to teacher excellence.
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10 January 2018 Children’s rights extended as new legislation comes into force
Children aged 12-15 have had their rights extended under new additional support for learning legislation which comes into force today (Wednesday 10 January).
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13 October 2017 Brexit threat to legal rights of 1 in 10 children
One in 10 UK children could be at risk of losing significant protections in relation to cross-border family law as a result of Brexit, a report from a leading child rights organisation has found.
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13 September 2017 Stop excluding children from Brexit dialogue, children's sector groups and Commissioner tell UK parliamentarians
Children must be heard and their views sought on Brexit, representatives from Scotland’s children’s sector and the Children & Young People’s Commissioner will tell parliamentarians at a special event at Westminster today (13 September).
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14 August 2017 Food, Families, Futures project sees summer take-up rise to almost 4,000
Almost 4,000 places were taken up by children, parents and guardians attending school and community clubs as part of Children in Scotland’s Food, Families, Futures (FFF) project during the summer holidays.
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3 July 2017 Project challenging food poverty expands to 26 schools across Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire
From today, 26 schools in the west of Scotland will be taking part in Children in Scotland’s expanded Food, Families, Futures partnership.
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22 June 2017 Physical appearance, sexual identity and learning disabilities ‘the key factors’ in bullying at school
Children experiencing bullying and harassment in Scottish schools are targeted on the basis of physical appearance, sexuality and identity, and the presence of an additional support need, a Children in Scotland report has found.
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12 June 2017 Celebrate young voters' impact - and listen to them on Brexit
Children in Scotland Chief Executive Jackie Brock made the following statement reflecting on the result of the 2017 UK General Election:
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30 March 2017 Mental Health Strategy focus on early intervention welcome, but children’s voices must be at heart of implementation
Responding to today’s announcement of the Scottish Government’s new ten-year Mental Health Strategy, Children in Scotland’s Head of Policy Amy Woodhouse said:
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29 March 2017 Article 50 response: which generation is ‘shaping a brighter future’?
Responding to the triggering of Article 50 today, Children in Scotland Chief Executive Jackie Brock said:
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24 March 2017 Focus on quality in childcare welcome, but "smarter thinking" required on school start age
Following the announcement today by Minister for Childcare and Early Years Mark McDonald on the expansion of free early learning and childcare, Children in Scotland Chief Executive Jackie Brock said:
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2 March 2017 Effective child protection system ‘depends on poverty reduction and strong local services’
The Scottish Government today announced its response to the Child Protection Systems Review Report.
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11 January 2017 Education governance proposals risk ‘zero impact’ on attainment gap
In their current form the Scottish Government’s proposals for reform of education governance will fail to make any progress in narrowing the attainment gap, Children in Scotland believes.
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21 September 2021 Ensuring no child is too hungry to learn
The Scottish Government’s pledge to provide universal, free school breakfasts to all children in primary and special schools is welcome. But to truly tackle child hunger and reduce the attainment gap, breakfast provision must be both evidence-based and hunger-focussed, argues Lorraine Kelly, Policy Officer (Scotland) for the UK charity Magic Breakfast
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13 September 2021 A call for action in Scotland's Climate Week
In Scotland’s Climate Week, we’re leading with a call to action from Anna Balmain, 13 year-old member of our children and young people’s advisory group, Changing Our World.
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11 September 2021 The right ASL information, at the right time
Cat Thomson explains how Enquire is helping families of children with additional support needs build positive relationships with schools.
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8 September 2021 Our reaction to the Programme for Government: family wellbeing fund welcomed but disappointment at lack of progress on child payment level
We’ve responded to yesterday’s publication of the Programme for Government, commenting on key policy areas that directly affect the lives of children and young people such as children’s rights, tackling poverty, the environment, and mental health and equalities.
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7 September 2021 Life through a child-rights lens
As we edge closer to seeing the incorporation of UNCRC in Scots law realised, those of us working in the children’s sector have been reflecting on what this will mean for us as champions of children’s rights, but also as project leads and supporters of frontline services
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6 September 2021 Not losing the human element of being 'present' with people
Mediation manager for Resolve: ASL, Sandra Mitchell, explains how the service adapted during the pandemic and managed to keep hold of its core component of being present with people experiencing conflict.
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24 August 2021 The beginning of better provision for parents in prison
Professor Nancy Loucks, Chief Executive of Families Outside, on new government funding to support virtual visits and how this could be just the beginning of better provision for parents in prison.
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5 August 2021 The Inclusion Ambassadors have a clear vision to help pupils feel more supported at school. Now they need your help to make it happen
Our Senior Policy, Projects & Participation Officer Chris Ross explains why the Inclusion Ambassadors' call that all adults young people come into contact with in education 'ask, listen and act' on what they say about the support that's best for them is something we should all get behind
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6 July 2021 Committing to radical change in Scotland’s system of care
Fiona Duncan, Chair of The Promise Scotland, on the publication of the Change Programme ONE and taking Scotland one step closer to becoming the friend and parent it promised to be.
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25 June 2021 “We want to make art more accessible for everyone, especially young people”
As part of our Living Museums project and Museums Takeover Day, Felicity Zaganelli explains how a greater focus on art could help older people see the world in a different light
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24 June 2021 What is contemporary collecting and why do we care about it so much?
Issues ranging from racism to the intensification of the climate crisis informed the decision made by Living Museums’ Stirling group about their campaign call. Emily, a member of the group, explains more
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22 June 2021 Bringing confidence back to the community
Michael Jonathan explains how a grassroots, community-led organisation responded to a lack of childcare services and created Hope Amplified.
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16 June 2021 Living Museums: Exploring colonial pasts, presents and futures
Last month, the young people involved in the Living Museums project met three artists, Saoirse, Nkem and Tako, who are working with Culture Perth and Kinross to develop an exhibition that explores colonialism in museum spaces. Jordan, Saoirse and Nkem give us a glimpse into the work they are doing at Perth Museum and Art Gallery and the impact they’re hoping to have.
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11 June 2021 Supporting informed choices about gambling
The rate of ‘problem gambling’ is highest in young adults in Scotland and an estimated 55,000 11-16 year olds are thought to have a gambling problem. Warren Hughes, of youthwork organisation Fast Forward, says a new education programme could hold the key to awareness and prevention
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1 June 2021 Share because you care this Child Safety Week
Ahead of Child Safety Week (7-13 June) Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) reflects on how sharing vital safety advice with families has never been more important – and how this year, CAPT have made it easier than ever.
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22 May 2021 It’s time to recognise and understand our armed forces young people
Royal Caledonian Education Trust, Scotland’s Armed Forces children’s charity, produced its first ever Manifesto for the 2021 Scottish elections. Their Chief Executive, Laura Falconer, explains why it was time to put the experience of Armed Forces children and young people on everyone’s radar.
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12 May 2021 To do better for autistic children, we must close the accountability gap
Director of National Autistic Society Scotland, Nick Ward, on the gap between what is supposed to happen at policy level and what actually happens on the ground to support autistic children and young people
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11 May 2021 Encouraging moves on participation, and a promise to hold parliament to account
How do the political parties’ pledges compare to our own Manifesto calls? Following the Scottish election, our Policy, Projects & Participation Officer Parisa Shirazi reflects on likely areas of agreement during the next parliament – and examples of where we’ll be pushing for faster change to improve children’s lives
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27 April 2021 Have Kitbag, will travel
Amid concerns about a mental health crisis worsened by the pandemic, Dr Margaret Hannah introduces the concept of ’Kitbag’, a set of resources developed by professionals and now being used in schools to help ease stress and distress
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1 April 2021 “Children don’t need shorter holidays or longer school days. They need more play”
Margaret McLelland, manager of St Mirin’s Out of School Club, a recipient of funding from Children in Scotland’s Access to Childcare Fund Margaret, explains why play is so fundamental to childhood and learning
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30 March 2021 How we can work together to stop child abuse before it starts
Stuart Allardyce, Director of Stop It Now! Scotland, explains why we need to rethink our collective approach and focus on prevention rather than the consequences of harm
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16 March 2021 UNCRC incorporation: the day we make history
Our Head of Policy, Projects & Participation Amy Woodhouse reflects on the significance of the passing of the Bill to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots Law.
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11 March 2021 Opportunities lost: the impact of Brexit on the next generation
The Panel on Europe has been vocal about its concerns around the aftermath of Brexit. What happens next will be crucial.
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11 March 2021 A safe sleep, for every sleep
Safe Sleep Scotland, run by the Scottish Cot Death Trust (SCDT), will be discussing how you can ensure the safest sleep for your baby, as part of Learning Week
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9 March 2021 Creativity and culture: bringing child rights to life
Project Officers Millie and Emily explain how the Living Museums project provides a platform for young people to make their voices heard, and develop their skills and experience whilst creatively expressing themselves
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3 March 2021 Supporting digital engagement and keeping young people connected online
Social innovation charity, People Know How, share how they've adapted to help keep young people connected
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16 February 2021 Introducing the Year of Childhood and our chance to give children power
Co-director of Children’s Parliament, Cathy McCulloch, explains why, on the cusp of UNCRC incorporation, it’s time to celebrate and step up our efforts to realise children’s rights.
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9 February 2021 25 & Up: After a year of adversity, change is coming – and Scotland is more determined than ever to Keep the Promise
Fiona Duncan revisits her original 25 Calls campaign call, updates on the Plan, and hails everyone who has campaigned so hard to keep the Care Review on track
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2 February 2021 Shifting the focus from our shoes to our views – girls speak out against gender stereotypes
The lead volunteer for Communications at Girlguiding Scotland, Matilda Lomas-MacKenzie, reports on the latest Girls in Scotland survey and the Media Mindful campaign that encourages young women to challenge gender stereotypes
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19 January 2021 Launching a new way to support child rights and additional support for learning
Children in Scotland's Head of Inclusion Sally Cavers on supporting child rights and additional support for learning with the launch of the My Rights, My Say eLearning module
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17 December 2020 Influencing change: young people tackling inequality head on
Reflecting on the success of a young people’s peer research project, Chris Ross argues that it’s vital we continue to make spaces for children to share their views directly with adults
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1 December 2020 A clearer picture of the pandemic? The only way is App
Professor Jennifer Davidson on how new technology that crowdsources Covid experiences could help clarify our understanding of the virus’s impact on children’s wellbeing
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18 November 2020 The consequences of inequality and our chance to choose a different path
Launching our Manifesto for the 2021-26 Scottish Parliament, Jackie Brock explains why, in the wake of the pandemic, we must turn towards a wellbeing economy
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3 November 2020 “Outdoor centres are gateways to positive experiences which are otherwise closed to many”
As the 'Save Your Outdoor Centres Campaign’ continues to agree a fund that will support the long-term sustainability of outdoor residential centres, we hear from Morven Bayton, MSYP for Scouts Scotland about why they are so vital for children and young people’s wellbeing and their futures.
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20 October 2020 Kindness is the key to the SSPCA’s education activity
Ahead of Bonfire Night, Gilly Mendes Ferreira shares the SSPCA’s work supporting schools to nurture empathy, compassion and a sense of appreciation for animal welfare
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9 October 2020 25 and Up: The ‘old normal’ meant acceptance of injustice for too many families. We can’t go back to it
In a special blog for Challenge Poverty Week, Clare Simpson revisits her original 25 Calls campaign piece, arguing that UNCRC incorporation and the work of the Care Review provide the scaffolding for change Scotland’s families need
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6 October 2020 Pandemic as portal: challenges and opportunities revealed by the exams debacle
As the exam diet for 2021 hangs in the balance, Graham Leicester, Director of International Futures Forum, explores the conundrum of giving out grades for exams that don’t take place and what it might mean for the future of the school system
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30 September 2020 "We want a space where conversation and reflection is actively encouraged"
As part of our Living Museums project campaign, group members Bronwyn and Isaac explain how accessibility could be better supported in museums, to make them more welcoming spaces
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30 September 2020 Unlocking opportunity: exploring new ways to create employment in the art world
Art History undergraduate and member of the Living Musums project group, Jodie, discusses the importance of the heritage sector being open to opportunities for youth employment
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23 September 2020 Community development is a vital part of effective public health. Let’s use it in our response to COVID-19
Responding to publication of the 2020-21 Programme for Government, Colin Ross of CLD Standards Council Scotland argues that we must use the challenge posed by the pandemic as an opportunity to engage, connect, educate and empower
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10 September 2020 Challenging, different and unprecedented times; but we go on
Despite living through a period that could be described as different, challenging, unprecedented, Changing our World, the Children in Scotland young people's advisory group has continued its work.
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8 September 2020 Responding to trauma means all of us working together
Ahead of the More Than My Trauma webinars later this month, Dan Johnson, Clinical Director of youth care charity Kibble, shares his hopes for driving enduring organisational change towards truly trauma-responsive services for young people
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27 August 2020 25 and Up: For post-COVID renewal we need to be radical, and that includes with the arts
For its contribution to the 25 Calls campaign, Starcatchers said all children must be able to participate in high quality, innovative arts experiences from the earliest age. Two years on, they’re joined by 11 other organisations arguing that the arts and artists must be brought into the mainstream fold of every child’s support network
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25 August 2020 Safe spaces, inspiring role models and positive peer to peer relationships – how SHE Scotland is supporting girls and young women
Karen Anderson, Founder and Director of SHE Scotland, explains the vision behind a project dedicated to supporting young women in the face of increasing challenges to mental health and wellbeing
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14 August 2020 "We deserve to have spaces where we feel included and can make friends with the same interests as us"
Tamsin from the Children and Young People's Panel on Europe explains what the Scottish and UK Governments must do to support youth services post-Brexit
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11 August 2020 Summer days, but changed services for families
Sarah De Rees from the Orkney Islands’ Home-Start team updates on the impact of Phase 3 and the continuing resilience of families in the face of the pandemic
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11 August 2020 Back to school: the challenges of learning after lockdown, and how we can help
Cat Thomson explains how Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, is helping families as schools re-open
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30 July 2020 25 & Up: A workforce to be reckoned with
Updating on his original call as part of our 25 Calls campaign, Simon Massey says that despite a turbulent two years there’s convincing evidence that the children’s sector workforce is in a strong position
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28 July 2020 Child rights or public health? There's no choice
Children in Scotland CEO Jackie Brock on a child rights response to COVID-19 and why we need now more than ever to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic law
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24 July 2020 "This is a great way for us to share what we’ve learned, but it's also about learning to be kind to ourselves"
As we launch our new Webinar Guide, we hear from Corrie McLean of Three Sisters Consultancy who is leading a series of sessions this month on supporting wellbeing during the pandemic for young people with ASN
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21 July 2020 Navigating post-virus renewal - five steps into the future
Our CEO Jackie Brock sets out five anchor points towards positive change for children and families facing an uncertain future
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15 July 2020 Scotland's public health time bomb is ticking
We face a welfare crisis unless parents receive more support before conception and over a child's first 1000 days, argues Alan Sinclair
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10 July 2020 From protest to policymaking: join my campaign for reform and ensure Afro-Scottish history is taught in our schools
Changing the curriculum would be a vital step in anti-racist action, giving children in Scotland a proper understanding of colonialism, slavery and the hidden figures of black history, writes Eunice Olumide
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8 July 2020 “This crisis is a chance to start talking about how much autistic people and neurotypicals have in common”
Dr Peter Vermeulen is an internationally acclaimed autism consultant, lecturer and trainer. He has published more than 15 books on autism, including Autism as Context Blindness. Ahead of his Children in Scotland webinar this Thursday, he explains how much we can learn from people with autism on how to manage stress
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9 June 2020 From Drumchapel macaroni to white bread myths: what I’ve learned from four years of Food, Families, Futures
As it comes to an end, project lead Elaine Kerridge explains how our food partnership has deepened her understanding of inequality – and how powerful communities can be when they come together
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4 June 2020 Insight: Life in Lockdown - the view from Orkney
One of our members, Home-Start Orkney, reflect on life on the island during the pandemic
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4 June 2020 25 and Up: In the wake of Covid-19, our call to boost family incomes using social security powers is more urgent than ever
Launching a new series revisiting our 25 Calls, John Dickie argues that the Scottish Government’s child poverty targets, delivery plan and new Scottish Child Payment must inform every aspect of our country’s approach to renewal
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1 June 2020 Insight: Serious accidents in lockdown – why Child Safety Week matters
In the run-up to Child Safety Week (1-7 June) Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, explains why practical advice to prevent harm is important now more than ever
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25 May 2020 Why our third sector deserves first class support
In advance of next week's launch of our Supporting the Third Sector Project, Vicky Wan explains why we want to support organisations to become equal partners in Children and Family Services – and be ready to respond to any future crisis
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20 May 2020 Why our Manifesto for 2021-26 must be based on renewal, not recovery
Amy Woodhouse, Head of Policy, Projects & Participation, on how we're developing our Manifesto for the next Scottish parliament, and the challenges of representing the children’s sector in the face of an unknowable future.
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13 May 2020 Young citizens: Why learning about freedom of expression and digital rights should start at school
Children and young people increasingly share their creative work, writing and beliefs in online forums. While the internet offers opportunities to communicate with new audiences and build communities, Scottish PEN argues that this must go hand in hand with education around digital rights, censorship and surveillance.
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7 May 2020 Insight: A helpline revolution
Harriet Grant, Advice and Information Manager at Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning, on how the lockdown has led to challenges but also surprising opportunities for change
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5 May 2020 "STEM isn't just a set of subjects for the classroom – it shapes many aspects of our lives"
Mhairi McCann, Founder & CEO of Youth STEM 2030, and member of Children in Scotland's Changing Our World advisory group, shares her views on the importance of young people in STEM in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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1 May 2020 Insight: Responding to the need for connection and learning
Our Learning & Events Manager Karin McKenny explains why our training delegates keep coming back for more and how we’re responding to the need for connection and learning in this crisis
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28 April 2020 Insight: Rising to the challenge of delivering the digital edition of our magazine
Jennifer Drummond, Editor of Children in Scotland magazine, shares how the national lockdown has led to creative solutions for the magazine, and strengthened the development of our digital offering
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23 April 2020 25 Calls response: Finding hope during a crisis
3D Drumchapel, a community based project, working with families from pre-birth and up until children reach secondary school, respond to Call 21 of our 25 Calls campaign
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22 April 2020 Insight: We haven’t lost any of the skills or the knowledge we had before
In this week’s blog our Senior Policy Officer, Emma Rogan, shares how the Policy, Projects and Participation team at Children in Scotland is responding to the needs of children and young people as it creates safe spaces for digital participation.
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15 April 2020 Insight: Keeping hold of honesty and respect as the world turns upside down
In this week’s blog our Head of Engagement & Learning, Simon Massey, discusses how Children in Scotland has ‘pivoted’ while keeping our values at the core - and why we need to keep hearing how we can help you
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7 April 2020 Is the Third Sector boxed in or punching above its weight?
Our Head of External Affairs, Jacqueline Cassidy, discusses how our friends, colleagues and partners are responding in a time of crisis
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10 March 2020 Land and freedom
Our recent Health Inequalities report gave a fresh young-people led perspective on why ignoring Scotland’s vacant land problem is not an option. Katherine Pollard, Scottish Land Commission Policy Officer, explains why children’s voices are so important – and how they’ve been included in the Commission’s recent work
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4 March 2020 25 Calls response: Children living in poverty deserve better from a system that is failing them. But we all have a role to play in helping them navigate their journey to adulthood
Whether working with the media, contributing to funding applications, attending events or designing services, young people have the right to participate and shape the narrative that surrounds them, says Ellie Hutchison, CEO of Canongate Youth
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26 February 2020 25 Calls response: The media has been particularly difficult to navigate for trans people
The process of gaining a Gender Recognition Certificate is impersonal, degrading and expensive, says Cameron Goymer
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25 February 2020 Universal or targeted? Supporting free period products is about values as much as availability
Today’s Scottish Parliament debate on the progress of a period products Bill reveals different views on health provision – and the kind of society we want children to grow up in, argues Amy Woodhouse
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18 February 2020 25 Calls response: What gives me hope in 2020? Young people are leading the way in defending human rights
When children speak out on human rights they do it with more honesty, tenacity and creativity than adults. It makes a difference so let’s all make an effort to support them, says Mhairi Snowden,Coordinator, Human Rights Consortium Scotland, respondingto Call 13 of our 25 Calls campaign
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11 February 2020 Learning the secrets of the Netherlands' success
Caroline Vink, Senior Advisor at the Netherlands Institute, is supporting our study visit to the country at the start of March. Here she tells us what delegates will get out of the trip
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5 February 2020 25 Calls response: Youth theatre gives us confidence and a safe space to learn. We can’t put that at risk
A West Lothian youth theatre proves the link between the arts and wellbeing, writes Changing our World member Nina
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30 January 2020 25 Calls response: Girlguiding Scotland research reveals how vital it is for us to champion gender equality
Nicoletta Primo, Policy and PR Officer at Girlguiding Scotland, responds to Call 13 of our 25 Calls campaignand young campaigner Ruby’s work on challenging gender stereotypes in the context of supporting children to be human rights defenders.
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23 January 2020 25 Calls response: Children must be at the centre of decisions affecting them
Elma Murray OBE, Unfeartie and Chair of Young Scot and the Scottish Obesity Alliance, explains why fighting poverty, supporting families to make positive choices, and valuing place-making are vital
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9 January 2020 25 Calls response: We need a revolution when it comes to improving online safety
Young people from ENYA (European Network of Young Advisers), which is supported by Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, respond to Call 10 of our 25 Calls campaign
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9 January 2020 25 Calls response: Young people understand how being physically active can improve mental health. Let's learn from them
Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) works with young people all over Scotland and uses sport as a tool to help change their lives. Their young leaders (ambassadors) told them how important the topic of mental health is to them and there isn’t enough support or ways to highlight what someone can do if they feel their mental health isn’t great.
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16 December 2019 25 Calls response: The Care Review is laying down a challenge. In 2020 you can be part of the solution
For the last of this year’s 25 Calls responses, Jimmy Paul reflects on the achievements of the Review – and why everyone in Scotland needs to rally round its vision for children and families
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6 December 2019 25 Calls response: The Power of Identity and Belonging
Who am I? How do I know who I am? Why does anyone like me? How can I defend myself against rejection? We never finish searching for the answers to these kind of big questions – Media Education respond to Starcatchers' 25 Calls campaign call
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3 December 2019 25 Calls response: Today’s children don’t want eternal economic growth. It’s time to teach and live ‘de-consumerism’
Continuing the embrace of high GDP growth and rentier capitalism will make climate justice impossible, argues Doaa Shabbir, a 17-year-old writer and school student based in Glasgow
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21 November 2019 25 Calls response: We must invest in our urban green spaces if our young people are to live fun, healthy lives – and Scotland’s canals have a key role to play
For most children and young people growing up in Scotland’s towns and cities, the areas around their homes are less likely to include publicly accessible green space. However, our 140 miles of canal corridor offer a refreshing exception.
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14 November 2019 25 Calls response: Don’t let a difference of opinion become a deciding factor in children’s educational experience
Listening, participating and sharing contrasting ways of thinking are the keys to unlocking disputes in education – to the benefit of young people, writes Sandra Mitchell
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12 November 2019 “This project has made us all ask how we can support each other and do better”
CHANGE is a project that has been working with communities in Glasgow East to develop childcare services in the area since 2017. The CHANGE Hub has been shortlisted for Most Inspiring or Innovative Project Award in the 2019 Quality Improvement Awards, with the winner announced tonight. Alison Hay, the project’s Senior Policy & Participation Officer, explains how the Hub has developed – and why it’s been such a success
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8 November 2019 25 Calls response: Our economy is broken but our people aren’t. A new rights-based approach would mean a better future for children
Full incorporation of the UNCRC offers a once in a generation opportunity to tackle poverty and empower communities, writes Paul Carberry, Action for Children’s Director for Scotland
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31 October 2019 25 Calls response: The values that underpin who we are as citizens should underpin our activity online
Embedding young people's views at the heart of their work, so they can better understand tech abuse and online safety is central to the work of The Empower Project
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24 October 2019 25 Calls response: Do I support 16 and 17 year olds having the right to vote? Yes, but ...
Political education in schools and the quality of our media must be improved before progress on voting rights, says Changing our World member Ellie
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23 October 2019 Celebrating 20 years of Enquire
Cat Thomson reflects on two decades of the national advice service for additional support for learning
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17 October 2019 25 Calls response: Working to make Scotland a nation of Unfearties!
David Robertson from Alcohol Focus Scotland describes why the views of children are so important in improving our lives when it comes to our cultural fixation on alcohol
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10 October 2019 Why defeating poverty means building the right fire
In a special blog for Challenge Poverty Week our Food Families Futures project manager Neil Orrsays we have a golden opportunity to end families’ food insecurity in Scotland – but it will require innovation, connectivity and the surrendering of power
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8 October 2019 25 Calls response: Starting today: a new vision for how social security can help solve child poverty
For Challenge Poverty Week,Jen Gracieon behalf of the Scottish Campaign on Rights to Social Security (SCORSS) respondsto Calls 1, 2 and 15 of our 25 Calls campaign
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3 October 2019 25 Calls response: Here’s what’s missing from the debate about how to transform mental health outcomes for children
Robust data on the mental health of young people with care experience could radically improve their transition to adulthood, says Staf’s Pamela Graham
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30 September 2019 Manifestos, Macs and ‘energetic’ colleagues – my week with Children in Scotland
Ellie, a member of our children and young people’s advisory group, was with us on work placement for five days in September. Here she describes the highlights and challenges
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26 September 2019 25 Calls response: Communities don’t just need access to school kitchens. They need access to the whole school
School buildings are a vital part of local life, but parents struggle to access them. Responding to Call 18 of our 25 Calls campaign, Sara McFarlane from Connect explains how that could change
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18 September 2019 25 Calls response: How one boy’s journey illustrates the message we must give all children: it’s ok to talk
Looking at relationships in the round and giving young people a safe space to communicate can mean a breakthrough in mental health, writes Place2Be’s Jonathan Wood
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11 September 2019 25 Calls response: How do you ensure vulnerable children know you’re on their side? Be professional – and be human
A workforce that can make a difference to young people must be able to draw on sincerely held values and a belief in transformation, writes Angela Morgan
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6 September 2019 Is the child really at the centre of early learning and childcare?
Children in Scotland's Head of Inclusion, Sally Cavers, reflects on the joint Children in Scotland and ADES seminar Child-centred early years planning, provision and practice, held in January this year
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28 August 2019 25 Calls response: Want to ensure healthy lives on and offline? Act now to protect young people from gambling and gaming harms
Responding to our calls on digital values and healthy lives, Fast Forward’s Chiara Marin urges you to join the conversation about gambling and gaming’s impact on children
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22 August 2019 25 Calls response: How the arts helped me rewrite my life story
Responding to Starcatchers’ call on access to cultural experiences, screenwriter Michael Lee Richardson explains why his first script sustained him during a difficult time
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15 August 2019 25 Calls response: Worried about pollution’s impact on children? You’ve got the power to improve air quality
Responding to call 25 from Sustrans Scotland, Friends of the Earth’s Gavin Thomsonsays taking action at your local school to end reliance on cars can result in better health for young people – and all of us
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9 August 2019 Work hard but keep a healthy work-life balance: wise words from our volunteer Hope as her month with us comes to an end
Volunteer Hope reflects on her final week working at Children in Scotland
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8 August 2019 25 Calls response: Improving care cannot wait
The Fostering Network echoes Fiona Duncan's call to put children’s relationships at the heart of children’s social care. When a child moves on from a foster family, whether that is to a new foster carer, to adoption, to live with birth family or elsewhere, it is essential they are supported
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2 August 2019 Feel the fear and do it anyway: support from colleagues and new skills acquired during our volunteer's fourth week
As our volunteer approaches her final week with us, she learns the merits of setting goals, airing issues and facing the challenge of learning new skills
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1 August 2019 25 Calls response: Where there are child protection concerns, poverty can be the elephant in the room
Joanna Barrett, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at NSPCC responds to Call 4: 'to end abuse and neglect, live what we know; it’s everyone’s job to make sure children are alright'
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30 July 2019 Self-care and a focus on our wellbeing makes us better colleagues: week three for our research volunteer
Our volunteer had to take a sick day last week, and learnt the benefits, for body and mind, of taking time to recover
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24 July 2019 25 Calls response: Becoming an 'Unfeartie' is just the first step of learning – join us as we stand up for rights.
Clare MacGillivray from Fa'side Women's Group responds to call 23 of our campaign, which urged 'Let's make Scotland a nation of Unfearties'.
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19 July 2019 First-hand youth engagement and behind the scenes planning: week two for our research volunteer
This week I saw first-hand youth engagement through the UNCRC discussion day and also behind the scenes planning that enforces the values of Children in Scotland.
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17 July 2019 25 Calls response: In a time of cuts, job insecurity and social isolation, Scotland must step up to provide consistent, relationship-based support for families
Shelagh Young, Home-Start UK Director of Scotland, responds to call 21 of our 25 Calls campaign: 'Invest in relationship-based whole-family support'
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12 July 2019 Working on matters that are important to me has been so valuable: a week in the life of a research volunteer
Research and Digital volunteer, Hope, shares her experiences of her first week working at Children in Scotland
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10 July 2019 25 Calls response: 'Trans students can't afford a delay on GRA reform'
NUS Scotland responds to Call 8 of our 25 Calls campaign: 'Reform the Gender Recognition Act and give trans young people the chance to live full, happy live'
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9 July 2019 A once in a lifetime experience – what FMQT Next Generation meant to one group of young people
In a special blog, young people from the First Minister’s Question Time Next Generation Design Team reflect on what they’ve learned as their involvement in the project comes to an end
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4 July 2019 25 Calls response – Nobody should ever feel isolated, hurt or angry at themselves for being different
Changing Faces respond to Call 16 of our 25 Calls campaign, which says we must work together to build cultures where every voice is valued, and create a society free from bullying
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25 June 2019 25 Calls response: Child poverty in Scotland is not inevitable. It is a failure of government to fulfil the rights of their citizens
Responding to Call 2 of our 25 Calls campaign, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation’s (SCVO) Sheghley Ogilvie agrees with the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, and reflects on the announcement by the Scottish Government that it is 'fast-tracking' the family income supplement.
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20 June 2019 25 Calls response: Youth work gives us vital opportunities, independence and access to non-formal education. Let’s protect it
Responding to Call 6, Rosie Sumsion, MSYP for Helensburgh and Lomond, explains why a new Scottish Youth Parliament campaign is proving youth work’s real value
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13 June 2019 25 Calls response: In parental disputes, let’s support all family members – mums, dads and children
To change the prevailing culture of dispute resolution the Scottish Government’s plans to reform family law must be informed by the UNCRC, says Ian Maxwell.
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6 June 2019 25 Calls response: Where is the ‘transformative change’ we need to prevent harm? Thirteen years on from Girfec, we’re still focused on crisis rather than prevention
Responding to Call 4 of our 25 Calls campaign, Mary Glasgow says that for all the heated discussion about ACEs and embedding of the idea of ‘preventative services’, there remains a shocking lack of help for families
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30 May 2019 25 Calls response: Let’s agree on what makes ‘good’ food – then make it a reality for every child in Scotland
Responding to Call 18 of our 25 Calls campaign, Soil Association Scotland’s Sarah Duley says that if we want to deliver for young people our focus must be on health, the environment – and the economy
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14 May 2019 25 Calls response: My daughter just wants to dance. So what’s stopping her?
Not too long ago I attended a parents’ meeting about all the different progression pathways that are available through the education system to young people aged 13 and over – the different subject choices, colleges and vocational courses. But there was something missing. At the end I approached a member of staff and explained that my daughter wants to dance. “Dance is a problem.” came the reply. “It’s been taken out.”
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8 May 2019 25 Calls response: Dialogue is key to a healthy digital life – for children and parents
When it’s working well, social media can help create a sense of community, bringing people with common interests together – teachers, school support staff, parents, pupils and the wider community.
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30 April 2019 25 Calls response: To improve services for young people, trust professionals to be human – and invest in the power of kindness
Dignity and compassion should be the experience for all young people, not just the most fortunate.
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25 April 2019 25 Calls response – The increasingly apparent gaps in mental health support and provision for young people highlights the chasm in mental health support for all
There has never been a better time to address the issues that affect young people and their mental wellbeing
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24 April 2019 More than witnesses: Recognising the impact of domestic abuse on children
Responding to an interview with survivor and campaigner Luke Hart in Children in Scotland magazine, Scottish Women's Aid say the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act helps put the impact of domestic abuse on children on the agenda
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17 April 2019 25 Calls response – Cost is not value
Cost should not be the primary concern when it comes to Scotland's schools being replaced, rebuilt or refurbished
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11 April 2019 #FMQTNextGeneration is back – find out how to get involved!
On Tuesday 23rd April, 100 children and young people will be heading to FMQT Next Generation as it returns, but this time in Edinburgh! Even if you’re not attending the event, there are lots of ways to get involved
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10 April 2019 25 Calls response – We need to hear directly from children and young people about the barriers they face; their voices are powerful
The concept of nurture highlights the importance of social environment – who you’re with, and not who you’re born to – and its significant influence on social and emotional skills, wellbeing and behaviour
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2 April 2019 25 Calls response – Prevention and early intervention can help us win the battle against poverty
Responding to Call 9 of our 25 Calls campaign, Claire Burnett, External Affairs Manager, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Scotland, explains how we can act to ensure children born today grow up in a truly healthy nation
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18 March 2019 25 Calls response: Transforming mental health support for young people must be about their real needs, not just symptoms and diagnosis
Nicki Lawrence, Policy Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing for Barnardo’s Scotland talks about their work to ensure the mental health needs of children and young people are met
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11 March 2019 25 Calls response: If we want to tackle food insecurity, we need to get serious about family support in our communities
Reforms must aim to empower individuals and communities receiving public services by involving them in the design and delivery of the services they use.
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6 March 2019 25 Calls response: Do we live in a world where children need to defend their rights?
Educational Psychologist James McTaggart, responds to Call 13 of our 25 Calls campaign
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27 February 2019 25 Calls response: Building public support to reduce poverty means telling a new moral story. This is it...
When told well, stories that show how our economy creates and sustains poverty can activate people’s sense of compassion and justice. They can make them receptive to listening to the solutions we need to end poverty.
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26 February 2019 Cooking up a storm: celebrating three years of partnership with Cyrenians
Learn more about the partnership agreement between Queen Margaret University (QMU) and Cyrenians, that celebrates a joint commitment to social justice and sharing core values of innovation, creative working practices, and a willingness to challenge convention.
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21 February 2019 25 Calls response: An ACE-aware Scotland? Let’s be an arts-aware nation, too
Responding to Starcatchers’ call on the need for children to access the arts from the earliest age, Tom Pow explains how creativity can kindle hope in the midst of adversity.
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19 February 2019 Children hold the key to the future of food justice and education in Scotland
Access to food is not only a physical but a cultural challenge for some young people, argues Mhairi Barrett, PhD Gastronomy Student at Queen Margaret University
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19 February 2019 We as young people can create the change we want to see in the world, and we should grab the opportunity to do so
FMQT Next Generation co-host, Razannah Hussain, explains that young people are smart, opinionated individuals who want to have a say on issues that affect their future
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15 February 2019 25 Calls response: The hope is that people can acknowledge the assumptions that they make about those in care and challenge them
Who Cares? Scotland's vision is to do everything possible to secure a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people
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7 February 2019 25 Calls response: Classrooms must be positive, open, safe environments where children feel welcome and bullying can no longer thrive
Jordan Allison, Campaign Manager at Show Racism the Red Card Scotland responds to Call 16 of our 25 Calls campaign, calling for more resources and support to help free classrooms of bullying
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29 January 2019 25 Calls response: Struggling families need more money in their pockets
SallyAnn Kelly, Chief Executive, Aberlour responds to Call 15 of our 25 Calls campaign, calling for a top-up to child benefit
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23 January 2019 25 Calls response: Services must be underpinned by love for ALL children
Jane Malcolm, University of Edinburgh, responds to call 17 of our 25 Calls campaign, which focuses on the need to prioritise integration, support for families and participation to give children the best start in life.
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16 January 2019 25 Calls response: Dirty air is damaging children
A new study has revealed that pollution from diesel vehicles is stunting the growth of children’s lungs and causing lifelong damage. In this blog, Shelagh Young responds to our 25 Calls campaign article with Sustrans Scotland.
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7 January 2019 25 Calls response: Adults are responsible for ensuring child rights. So let's step up
My Rights, My Say provides support to support children to exercise their rights under additional support for learning legislation. Here My Rights, My Say partners, Cairn Legal, Partners in Advocacy and Enquire respond to Call 12. (Children in Scotland is also a partner in My Rights, My Say)
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19 December 2018 25 Calls interview with Professor Richard Wilkinson part 6: “If we go on without a fundamental transformation, we won’t save ourselves from the awful consequences of climate change”
In the final part of our interview, Richard Wilkinson offers policy suggestions to achieve more egalitarian workplaces and makes the link between equality and environmental sustainability
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19 December 2018 25 Calls response: It's time for a new way to measure the health of our planet and young people
As a measure of economic ‘success’ in our age of climate change, Gross Domestic Product is completely outdated. Young people can take the lead in devising an alternative that’s fit for the future, argues Rosie Watson, Engagement & Information Assistant at 2050 Climate Group
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17 December 2018 How can we best support implementation of the GIRFEC approach and National Practice Model?
Children in Scotland Associate Bill Alexander on why we need to improve collaboration to improve outcomes for children
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17 December 2018 25 Calls interview with Richard Wilkinson part 5: “There is a feeling that we are here to serve the economy rather than for the economy to serve us. We have to turn the tables”
How work as wage labour affects us emotionally, and inequality’s impact on trust in social relationships
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14 December 2018 “I expected herbal tea drinkers with fun keyrings”
Since early November Morgaine Das Varmahas been with us as an intern, supporting the work of our communications team. Here she explains why her time with us has helped prepare her for work in a professional setting – and banished some assumptions about the third sector
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14 December 2018 25 Calls interview with Richard Wilkinson part 4: “When a child moves to secondary school, there is a drastic upping of stakes in social comparison”
Professor Richard Wilkinson on how intersecting identities of gender, race and more are affected by increased inequality, and why family environment shapes our perceptions of the world
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12 December 2018 25 Calls interview with Richard Wilkinson part 3: “There is so much more bullying in schools in more unequal societies. But why?”
Professor Wilkinson discusses the effect inequality has on cultures of bullying, and the importance of positive social relationships for bolstering emotional and physical health
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12 December 2018 25 Calls response: Fixing urgent problems in the short term matters. But it isn’t enough for future generations
Chris Creegan, Chief Executive of Scottish Commission for Learning Disability, comments on the need to support people with learning disabilities to live active, healthy lives.
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11 December 2018 25 Calls interview with Richard Wilkinson part 2: “We use social media more antisocially than in an egalitarian society”
As part of our 25 Calls campaign we interviewed Professor Richard Wilkinson, co-author of the groundbreaking book The Spirit Level and its 2018 follow-up The Inner Level. In part two of our interview, he discusses the destructive effect inequality has on self-esteem, and through this, mental health
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10 December 2018 25 Calls response: Children are constrained by tired gender stereotypes – it’s never too early or late to challenge them
Zero Tolerance responds to Call 13 of our 25 Calls campaign, which focuses on tackling gender stereotypes.
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6 December 2018 25 Calls interview with Richard Wilkinson, part 1: “We need to build a mass movement”
As part of our 25 Calls campaign we spoke to Professor Richard Wilkinson, co-author of the groundbreaking books The Spirit Level and its 2018 follow-up The Inner Level, about the impact of inequality on young people. In part one of our exclusive interview, he discusses barriers to wellbeing and the inequity fuelling political polarisation
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4 December 2018 25 Calls response: Target stigma, honour arts experiences and get the first years of school right to start levelling the playing field for children
Launching the first of ongoing responses to our 25 Calls, Scottish Book Trust CEO Marc Lambert explains why we must challenge the idea that the poor have ‘failed’ – and work to emulate the most equal educational model in the world. (He also recommends some great books).
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12 November 2018 Amplifying children’s voices across Europe: our participation staff’s visit to Romania
Elaine and Jane from our Policy, Projects & Participation Team headed to Romania in October to work with UNICEF staff in the Bucharest office.
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13 September 2018 What Happens When You Share Stories With A Young Child?
Each time a very young child is engaged with through word or gesture, signals are fired and neural pathways are created and strengthened which over time literally constructs the physical brain. This isn’t metaphor, stories build young brains!
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12 September 2018 Meet the Design Team behind FMQT Next Generation
Meet the team of children and young people behind FMQT: Next Generation.
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6 September 2018 Get involved in FMQT Next Generation – the first event of its kind
On Wednesday 12 September, 100 children and young people will be heading to the first ever FMQT for children and young people. If you’re not attending the event, there are lots of ways to get involved.
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21 August 2018 Politics is all around us
I think this project is important because lots of children turn a blind eye towards politics and current world affairs – they think it’s boring or for adults only. But what they don’t realise is that politics is all around them.
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8 August 2018 Summer clubs meet a purpose, but the wider issue is how to address poverty and food insecurity for our lowest income families
As summer comes to an end, we need to think about the longer term solutions to issues such as food poverty which have challenged our low income families during the school holidays, writes Jackie Brock
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27 July 2018 Landmark participation project gives children and young people a voice at national level
Find out how a landmark project, FMQT: Next Generation is giving children and young people a voice at national level now – and in the future
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5 July 2018 Listen and learn: why involving young people in decision-making is better for everyone
Listening to children and young people, and ensuring their ideas and rights are at the heart of government planning, is essential for making Scotland better, says our advisory group member, Ellie Roy
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3 July 2018 Why getting active today can change a child’s life
New research shows that participation programmes can have a transformative impact on our young people’s health and confidence
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26 June 2018 Pledging allegiance
Having a presence at party conferences means we can talk directly to politicians and ask them to commit to involving young people in decision-making. We look forward to holding them to their promises.
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21 June 2018 Speaking truth to power
A major new participation project launching this summer, FMQT Next Generation, will give young people the chance to hold the First Minister to account, with the event broadcast nationwide.
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14 May 2018 What does heritage mean to you?
An exciting new project evaluates local history and culture from the perspective of children, explains our Policy & Participation Officer Jane Miller
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3 April 2018 Let's help children by breaking the stigma of self-harm
We know that self-harm can affect anyone. It doesn't discriminate. But we also recognise that rates of self-harm among young people are high. 2011-2014 saw a 68% increase in reported self-harm for young women aged 13-16 in the UK.
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8 February 2018 Brave new world
St Andrews University student Bori Godley, who was an intern with us in January, explains the pressures and optimism involved in being a young graduate
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2 February 2018 It's time to fight for children's theatre
Guest blogger Gill Robertson on why cuts to companies like Catherine Wheels are a threat to world class drama, great storytelling - and young people's imaginations.
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23 January 2018 The Year Of Young People 2018 is going to be #BRAW
The Year Of Young People 2018 aims to inspire Scotland through its young people, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contributions to communities and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally.
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10 January 2018 Taking steps towards a more inclusive education system
Scotland has taken a significant step towards recognising the rights of children and young people with additional support needs, writes Cat Thomson
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11 December 2017 2018 preview: culture, kindergartens and coming of age
A look ahead to our key projects and activities coming up next year.
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4 December 2017 Families' voices highlight the value of a special nursing service
Children’s Hospices should extend hospital and community work across Scotland to support more families, writes Jane Miller, when reflecting on a moving piece of project work
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30 November 2017 An 'Alternative Future' for young people should be one that is free from violence
Our Alternative Futures project aimed to understand how violence had affected the lives of young people in residential care across six European countries. Policy Manager Marion Macleod reflects on what we learned
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22 November 2017 Chancellor’s pledges offer families zero protection from financial hardship
Today’s Budget announcements on Universal Credit and the minimum wage will do nothing to stem rising inequality, writes our Assistant Policy Officer Chris Ross
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13 November 2017 How can we support young carers in education settings?
There’s lots we can do to improve experiences for school pupils who look after family members. Louise Morgan, who is leading an event on the topic next month, explains
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3 November 2017 Remember to ask children and young people when making decisions that affect them
Ellie and Scarlett, from our new advisory group, reflect on our recent members’ event – and why including children's voices is vital
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27 October 2017 Why focus on LGBT issues?
Raising awareness of discrimination and how to stop it helps us support children and reflects our organisation’s fundamental values, as Simon Massey explains
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9 October 2017 School isn't the be-all and end-all of a fair education
The attainment gap cannot be closed by teachers alone, says Jackie Brock.
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20 September 2017 A chance to flourish
We’ve changed our voice and look to better reflect our ambitions to improve children’s lives, writes Jackie Brock
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5 July 2017 How can we win the fight against food insecurity?
The summer break should mean fun, but for many families in Scotland they bring isolation, stress and hunger.
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