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Children in Scotland welcomes Scottish Government decision to end the two-child benefit cap

...step towards ending child poverty in Scotland. Announcing the decision during the Scottish budget, finance secretary Shona Robison said the “pernicious” cap on benefits will be scrapped in Scotland by 2026, helping to lift more than...


Holyrood Committee calls on the Scottish Government to prioritise three-year-funding cycles for the third sector

...Government to prioritise three-year-funding cycles for the third sector 13 Nov 2024 A new pre-budget report by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee has highlighted the growing financial concerns currently...


No child should be left behind

...rising cost of food, energy, housing, and childcare has placed an unbearable strain on household budgets, forcing families to make heartbreaking choices between essentials like heating or feeding their children. No family should have to face...


Children’s wellbeing and the Scottish budget (2020-2021)

... Children’s wellbeing and the Scottish budget 2020-2021 We worked in partnership with Dr Katherine Trebeck (Wellbeing Economy Alliance), the Carnegie Trust UK and early years funder Cattanach to raise awareness of what a robust child...


Radical wellbeing-focused redesign of Scottish Government budget key to post-Covid renewal

... Radical wellbeing-focused redesign of government budget ‘key to post-Covid renewal’ 18 March 2021 A major report published today calls for the Scottish Government to introduce wellbeing budgeting to improve lives for children as part of a...

budget budget process carnegie cattanach coronavirus covid dr katherine trebeck outcomes Participation radical systems change transparency Wellbeing wellbeing budgeting wellbeing budgets

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’

... Manifesto launches with calls for wellbeing to be at heart of Scottish budget and children protected from air pollution 13 November 2020 Children in Scotland today launches its Manifesto for the 2021-26 Scottish Parliament, backed by...

budget Child protection community democracy economy Education environment equality Inequality Learning Manifesto Poverty rights Scottish Parliament UNCRC Wellbeing

Children in Scotland call for ‘urgent and radical rethink’ of third sector funding

...2024 Children in Scotland’s response to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee Pre-budget 2025-26 scrutiny - Third sector funding principles has highlighted the significant challenges faced by children’s sector organisations in...


Have your say - Consultation on funding approach for the third sector

...to the continued effectiveness of the third sector. This is part of the Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny. From speaking with our members, we know how recent challenges have made sustainable funding a priority area as so many third sector...


£2M funding boost for football activity clubs

...United the service helps with food and childcare costs, relieving pressure on stretched family budgets. “Like many others, I will be supporting Scotland at Euro 2024 when it gets underway in Germany this week. But the Extra Time Programme is...


A new First Minister for Scotland, and time to assess priorities

...Rights of the Child legislation by applying a child-rights lens to all our policy decisions and budgeting, and ensuring there is policy coherence across the different areas of government. This will help to ensure all children are protected in...


Looking to upskill your staff? Discover how commissioned training is helping charities across Scotland

...possible. To help organisations keep up with best practice across the sector, make the most of budgets, meet key objectives, and fit education into busy schedules, Children in Scotland offers a wide range of learning opportunities – and one...


Sustainable funding for the third sector and action on a wellbeing economy: our calls following Programme for Government announcement

...Government must make Click here to access Child wellbeing and the Scottish budget We worked in partnership to raise awareness of what a robust child wellbeing approach would involve Click here for...


Investment in the public sector and a wellbeing economy: our Programme for Government calls

...the current economic situation. The upcoming Programme for Government and, crucially, the Scottish budget, must reflect this prioritisation. Children in Scotland is pleased to see a focus on prioritising public services at the heart of the First...


Q&A with Kara Brown: “There’s still stigma surrounding mental health, but it’s getting better”

...that straightforward. There's a lot of pressure and constraints within the Scottish Government’s budget itself, and although I think anyone would agree that mental health doesn't get anywhere near as much funding as physical health does, it’s...


How do we support long-term solutions when we’re confronted with a crisis?

...The recent reports of local authorities in different parts of the country slashing third sector budgets are worrying in the extreme. But I know there is no magic money tree. The major question we must ask ourselves is if we are making the right...


New research reveals that almost half of young people of secondary school age are missing out on hobbies
health and wellbeing hobbies Mental Health School Scottish Government

Economy ‘must be redesigned’ to focus on wellbeing and environmental sustainability

...author Dr Katherine Trebeck we published our Being Bold report, outlining why and how to build budgets for collective wellbeing. In it we called for an economy that is outcomes-oriented, rights-based, preventative and participatory. “Our...

economy Wellbeing wellbeing budgeting

Unlocking UNCRC incorporation: An interview with Juliet Harris

...session? Jules: I'm going to talk about how important it is to take a rights-based approach to budgeting. If we're going to achieve the vision that we've got for UNCRC incorporation, money has to be spent in the right way. And we have to make...


Scotland could have a future where access to recreation, creativity and wellbeing is a foundational part of growing up

Access to childcare services ‘has strengthened relationships and wellbeing for children and parents’, new report finds
access to childcare fund childcare Families flexibility out of school care Parents Poverty services

“We mustn’t lose sight of our collective goal”
CEO chief executive Children children's sector cost of living Families Inequality Jude pandemic Poverty resilience third sector

Animating calls to make museums more accessible

...world. We have no doubt that many museums are already taking positive steps, albeit with limited budgets. From our work across Living Museums, we know there is still a long way to go.   So the animation highlights that critical need for...


Equality of access, sustained investment, and a supported workforce: what we need from a national mental health strategy

Report marks progress in collaboration, skills-building and calls to action

New report reveals the experience of young people’s participation in projects throughout the pandemic

New project to better understand what pupil support in Scotland should look like
additional support for learning ASL ASN Education

Our new partnership with the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust

Measurement and mission statement: what our new values mean to us
board brave changing our world collaboration collaborative kind members open and fair Participation partnership values

Youth Advisory Group launched as part of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan
Child protection child safety Legislation Scottish Government

In the run-up to 5 May’s vote, be part of our campaign to ensure there’s investment in children at local level

...including their youngest residents, to make decisions will be essential to ensure that precious budgets are spent well and effectively. Our Manifesto calls highlight those areas Children in Scotland strongly believes would be worthy of that...

community elections local council elections local government Manifesto poll

How can we deliver places we can be proud of for our future generations?

Announcing the appointment of six new directors to our Board
children and young people Children's rights inclusion

Government ‘must be brave’ in leading education reforms, focusing on rights, early years and meeting all learners’ needs
additional support for learning Children's rights Early years Education education reform inclusion Inclusion Ambassadors learners report

'School meals are as important as books used in the classroom'

Calls for child priorities ahead of Scottish budget

... Magazine / News: Calls for government to prioritise children in Scottish budget Posted  16 November, 2021 by Nina Joynson. Image: Illustration from Being Bold: Building budgets for Children's Wellbeing report budget...

budget child poverty Poverty Scottish Government

Our history

...from the Commission for Childcare Reform and Childcare Alliance (2014-15 to Being Bold: Building budgets for Children’s Wellbeing (2021), which called for finances to be redirected to tackle root causes of inequality as Scotland emerged from...


Cutting the cost of the school day

...families, particularly those on low incomes, who may struggle to find extra money in the household budget. According to recent research from CPAG, parents across the UK typically need to find at least £39 per week for a child’s secondary school...

child poverty Children Education Poverty young people

Funding confirmed for youth music programmes

...future when funding was initially paused last year during The Scottish Government’s emergency budget review. Announcing the funding award during a visit to Murrayburn Primary School, Edinburgh, where pupils have benefitted from the programme,...

funding Learning music Scottish Schools

The family food shop in an ideal world

...out, to socialise and avoid stigmatisation. Therefore, the advisors recommend any ideal family budget needs to accommodate for both packed lunches and out-of-school options. Government support While the ideal food shop is currently unaffordable...

Families Food food insecurity free school meals Health nutrition Scottish Child Payment

More than a third of parents can't access suitable childcare

...crisis with a recent report (click to access) from the Poverty Alliance and the Scottish budget Group identifying this will disproportionately impact women and single parents. Flexible Childcare Services Scotland’s Chief Executive,...

childcare cost of living early learning and childcare Early years working parents

We've made progress on children's rights, but not enough

...resources to the maximum extent possible to ensure children’s rights. We know that rights-based budgeting and supporting relationships around families, like community and early years practitioners, youth work, and school-based supports, make a...

Children's rights human rights

Women's cost crisis

...for increased economic concerns. A new report from the Poverty Alliance and the Scottish Women's budget group, “It’s hard work being poor” – Women’s Experiences of the Cost-of-Living Crisis in Scotland, has found that women are...

childcare cost of living economy mothers Parents Poverty

Scottish-led study identifies dyslexia gene

...across the sector Oct 11, 2022 News Bank launches new account to encourage children to start budgeting early Oct 5, 2022 News Search for Bookbug Hero 2023 Sept 28, 2022 News Education in schools Fellowships open for applications Sept...

additional support for learning ASL ASN dyslexia Education Health literacy

Financial responsibility for young teens

... Magazine / News: Bank launches new account to encourage children to start budgeting early Posted 5 October, 2022 by Nina Joynson finances money Parents The Smart Start account has been launched by Bank of Scotland to encourage 11-15 year...

finances money Parents

Annual Conference 2022

...Care. Click here for workshop descriptions Panel discussion* (12:30pm-1:10pm) | Child rights, budgeting, & the key to unlocking the cost of living crisis Chair: Gary Gillespie, Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government Panelists:...


School meal debt wiped for Edinburgh families

...on families during the ongoing cost of living crisis by using excess finances from last year’s budget. The Council has also voted for a one-off £100 payment made directly to more than 8,000 families who are entitled to free school meals. The...

child poverty Education free school meals Poverty

Youth homelessness project comes to Scotland

...skills Expert trainers teach the essentials of money management, including how to deal with debt, budgeting, banking and earning. This is combined with practical housing information such as paying deposits, inventory checks and tenancy...

health and wellbeing homelessness young people

Baby Box refreshed for fifth anniversary

...said: “As every parent knows, the costs associated with having a baby are significant. Household budgets are under increasing pressure from the rising cost of living, so it is reassuring to know that all families in Scotland, regardless of their...

Early years health and wellbeing parenting

Grant opens for families with young children

...marks first anniversary Feb 16, 2022 Calls for government to prioritise children in Scottish budget Nov 16, 2021 Comment We need to prioritise action to end child poverty now Aug 31,...

child poverty family support funding grant primary Scottish Child Payment Scottish Government

Councils urged to keep ASN on the agenda

...for a renewed focus on supporting pupils with additional support needs (ASN), highlighting ongoing budget cuts and record lows of teacher numbers. According to government statistics, just under a third of pupils across Scotland have...

additional support for learning ASN Education


No results found.


Children in Scotland welcomes Scottish Government decision to end the two-child benefit cap

...step towards ending child poverty in Scotland. Announcing the decision during the Scottish budget, finance secretary Shona Robison said the “pernicious” cap on benefits will be scrapped in Scotland by 2026, helping to lift more than...


Holyrood Committee calls on the Scottish Government to prioritise three-year-funding cycles for the third sector

...Government to prioritise three-year-funding cycles for the third sector 13 Nov 2024 A new pre-budget report by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee has highlighted the growing financial concerns currently...


No child should be left behind

...rising cost of food, energy, housing, and childcare has placed an unbearable strain on household budgets, forcing families to make heartbreaking choices between essentials like heating or feeding their children. No family should have to face...


Radical wellbeing-focused redesign of Scottish Government budget key to post-Covid renewal

... Radical wellbeing-focused redesign of government budget ‘key to post-Covid renewal’ 18 March 2021 A major report published today calls for the Scottish Government to introduce wellbeing budgeting to improve lives for children as part of a...

budget budget process carnegie cattanach coronavirus covid dr katherine trebeck outcomes Participation radical systems change transparency Wellbeing wellbeing budgeting wellbeing budgets

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’

... Manifesto launches with calls for wellbeing to be at heart of Scottish budget and children protected from air pollution 13 November 2020 Children in Scotland today launches its Manifesto for the 2021-26 Scottish Parliament, backed by...

budget Child protection community democracy economy Education environment equality Inequality Learning Manifesto Poverty rights Scottish Parliament UNCRC Wellbeing

Children in Scotland call for ‘urgent and radical rethink’ of third sector funding

...2024 Children in Scotland’s response to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee Pre-budget 2025-26 scrutiny - Third sector funding principles has highlighted the significant challenges faced by children’s sector organisations in...


Have your say - Consultation on funding approach for the third sector

...to the continued effectiveness of the third sector. This is part of the Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny. From speaking with our members, we know how recent challenges have made sustainable funding a priority area as so many third sector...


£2M funding boost for football activity clubs

...United the service helps with food and childcare costs, relieving pressure on stretched family budgets. “Like many others, I will be supporting Scotland at Euro 2024 when it gets underway in Germany this week. But the Extra Time Programme is...


A new First Minister for Scotland, and time to assess priorities

...Rights of the Child legislation by applying a child-rights lens to all our policy decisions and budgeting, and ensuring there is policy coherence across the different areas of government. This will help to ensure all children are protected in...


Looking to upskill your staff? Discover how commissioned training is helping charities across Scotland

...possible. To help organisations keep up with best practice across the sector, make the most of budgets, meet key objectives, and fit education into busy schedules, Children in Scotland offers a wide range of learning opportunities – and one...


Sustainable funding for the third sector and action on a wellbeing economy: our calls following Programme for Government announcement

...Government must make Click here to access Child wellbeing and the Scottish budget We worked in partnership to raise awareness of what a robust child wellbeing approach would involve Click here for...


Investment in the public sector and a wellbeing economy: our Programme for Government calls

...the current economic situation. The upcoming Programme for Government and, crucially, the Scottish budget, must reflect this prioritisation. Children in Scotland is pleased to see a focus on prioritising public services at the heart of the First...


Q&A with Kara Brown: “There’s still stigma surrounding mental health, but it’s getting better”

...that straightforward. There's a lot of pressure and constraints within the Scottish Government’s budget itself, and although I think anyone would agree that mental health doesn't get anywhere near as much funding as physical health does, it’s...


How do we support long-term solutions when we’re confronted with a crisis?

...The recent reports of local authorities in different parts of the country slashing third sector budgets are worrying in the extreme. But I know there is no magic money tree. The major question we must ask ourselves is if we are making the right...


New research reveals that almost half of young people of secondary school age are missing out on hobbies
health and wellbeing hobbies Mental Health School Scottish Government

Economy ‘must be redesigned’ to focus on wellbeing and environmental sustainability

...author Dr Katherine Trebeck we published our Being Bold report, outlining why and how to build budgets for collective wellbeing. In it we called for an economy that is outcomes-oriented, rights-based, preventative and participatory. “Our...

economy Wellbeing wellbeing budgeting

Unlocking UNCRC incorporation: An interview with Juliet Harris

...session? Jules: I'm going to talk about how important it is to take a rights-based approach to budgeting. If we're going to achieve the vision that we've got for UNCRC incorporation, money has to be spent in the right way. And we have to make...


Scotland could have a future where access to recreation, creativity and wellbeing is a foundational part of growing up

Access to childcare services ‘has strengthened relationships and wellbeing for children and parents’, new report finds
access to childcare fund childcare Families flexibility out of school care Parents Poverty services

“We mustn’t lose sight of our collective goal”
CEO chief executive Children children's sector cost of living Families Inequality Jude pandemic Poverty resilience third sector

Animating calls to make museums more accessible

...world. We have no doubt that many museums are already taking positive steps, albeit with limited budgets. From our work across Living Museums, we know there is still a long way to go.   So the animation highlights that critical need for...


Equality of access, sustained investment, and a supported workforce: what we need from a national mental health strategy

Report marks progress in collaboration, skills-building and calls to action

New report reveals the experience of young people’s participation in projects throughout the pandemic

New project to better understand what pupil support in Scotland should look like
additional support for learning ASL ASN Education

Our new partnership with the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust

Measurement and mission statement: what our new values mean to us
board brave changing our world collaboration collaborative kind members open and fair Participation partnership values

Youth Advisory Group launched as part of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan
Child protection child safety Legislation Scottish Government

In the run-up to 5 May’s vote, be part of our campaign to ensure there’s investment in children at local level

...including their youngest residents, to make decisions will be essential to ensure that precious budgets are spent well and effectively. Our Manifesto calls highlight those areas Children in Scotland strongly believes would be worthy of that...

community elections local council elections local government Manifesto poll

How can we deliver places we can be proud of for our future generations?

Announcing the appointment of six new directors to our Board
children and young people Children's rights inclusion

Government ‘must be brave’ in leading education reforms, focusing on rights, early years and meeting all learners’ needs
additional support for learning Children's rights Early years Education education reform inclusion Inclusion Ambassadors learners report

'School meals are as important as books used in the classroom'


No results found.


No results found.


No results found.


Our history

...from the Commission for Childcare Reform and Childcare Alliance (2014-15 to Being Bold: Building budgets for Children’s Wellbeing (2021), which called for finances to be redirected to tackle root causes of inequality as Scotland emerged from...


Annual Conference 2022

...Care. Click here for workshop descriptions Panel discussion* (12:30pm-1:10pm) | Child rights, budgeting, & the key to unlocking the cost of living crisis Chair: Gary Gillespie, Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government Panelists:...



No results found.


No results found.


Calls for child priorities ahead of Scottish budget
post

... Magazine / News: Calls for government to prioritise children in Scottish budget Posted  16 November, 2021 by Nina Joynson. Image: Illustration from Being Bold: Building budgets for Children's Wellbeing report budget...

budget child poverty Poverty Scottish Government

Cutting the cost of the school day
post

...families, particularly those on low incomes, who may struggle to find extra money in the household budget. According to recent research from CPAG, parents across the UK typically need to find at least £39 per week for a child’s secondary school...

child poverty Children Education Poverty young people

Funding confirmed for youth music programmes
post

...future when funding was initially paused last year during The Scottish Government’s emergency budget review. Announcing the funding award during a visit to Murrayburn Primary School, Edinburgh, where pupils have benefitted from the programme,...

funding Learning music Scottish Schools

The family food shop in an ideal world
post

...out, to socialise and avoid stigmatisation. Therefore, the advisors recommend any ideal family budget needs to accommodate for both packed lunches and out-of-school options. Government support While the ideal food shop is currently unaffordable...

Families Food food insecurity free school meals Health nutrition Scottish Child Payment

More than a third of parents can't access suitable childcare
post

...crisis with a recent report (click to access) from the Poverty Alliance and the Scottish budget Group identifying this will disproportionately impact women and single parents. Flexible Childcare Services Scotland’s Chief Executive,...

childcare cost of living early learning and childcare Early years working parents

We've made progress on children's rights, but not enough
post

...resources to the maximum extent possible to ensure children’s rights. We know that rights-based budgeting and supporting relationships around families, like community and early years practitioners, youth work, and school-based supports, make a...

Children's rights human rights

Women's cost crisis
post

...for increased economic concerns. A new report from the Poverty Alliance and the Scottish Women's budget group, “It’s hard work being poor” – Women’s Experiences of the Cost-of-Living Crisis in Scotland, has found that women are...

childcare cost of living economy mothers Parents Poverty

Scottish-led study identifies dyslexia gene
post

...across the sector Oct 11, 2022 News Bank launches new account to encourage children to start budgeting early Oct 5, 2022 News Search for Bookbug Hero 2023 Sept 28, 2022 News Education in schools Fellowships open for applications Sept...

additional support for learning ASL ASN dyslexia Education Health literacy

Financial responsibility for young teens
post

... Magazine / News: Bank launches new account to encourage children to start budgeting early Posted 5 October, 2022 by Nina Joynson finances money Parents The Smart Start account has been launched by Bank of Scotland to encourage 11-15 year...

finances money Parents

School meal debt wiped for Edinburgh families
post

...on families during the ongoing cost of living crisis by using excess finances from last year’s budget. The Council has also voted for a one-off £100 payment made directly to more than 8,000 families who are entitled to free school meals. The...

child poverty Education free school meals Poverty

Youth homelessness project comes to Scotland
post

...skills Expert trainers teach the essentials of money management, including how to deal with debt, budgeting, banking and earning. This is combined with practical housing information such as paying deposits, inventory checks and tenancy...

health and wellbeing homelessness young people

Baby Box refreshed for fifth anniversary
post

...said: “As every parent knows, the costs associated with having a baby are significant. Household budgets are under increasing pressure from the rising cost of living, so it is reassuring to know that all families in Scotland, regardless of their...

Early years health and wellbeing parenting

Grant opens for families with young children
post

...marks first anniversary Feb 16, 2022 Calls for government to prioritise children in Scottish budget Nov 16, 2021 Comment We need to prioritise action to end child poverty now Aug 31,...

child poverty family support funding grant primary Scottish Child Payment Scottish Government

Councils urged to keep ASN on the agenda
post

...for a renewed focus on supporting pupils with additional support needs (ASN), highlighting ongoing budget cuts and record lows of teacher numbers. According to government statistics, just under a third of pupils across Scotland have...

additional support for learning ASN Education