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Voicebox 2025: National joke-telling competition closes on April Fools Day

...plays in children’s development. From boosting confidence to strengthening speech and language skills, the competition is a fun and engaging way to showcase the power of communication. The competition officially launched in January on Blue...


Success Looks Different: Celebrating Inclusive Education in Scotland

...amazing and it was a lovely safe space.”  Jenny Gilruth (Cabinet Secretary for Education and skills) also shared her thoughts on this year’s awards, saying:  “I want to congratulate the winners and all of those who took part in this...


Strengthening support for Scotland’s children: What’s new in learning and membership for 2025

...training so that their staff can have the same learning opportunity and really embed knowledge and skills across the organisation at an affordable per-person cost. This will allow us to tailor our approach to individual needs, while continuing to...


Keeping the Promise in 2025

...the advice, learning or development on offer. Only by coming together, sharing our knowledge and skills and improving our understanding, will we be able to move forward with our commitment to #KeepThePromise to children, young people and families...


Lifeskills: educating young people to support their transition into work (2014-2016)

...Lifeskills: educating young people to support their transition into work The Lifeskills education programme, which ran from 2014-2016, was designed to support young people with their transition into work. It offered practical advice and the...


From screens to success – boosting children's executive function skills in the digital age

... From screens to success – boosting children's executive function skills in the digital age 25 Sep 2024 Emerging research has shown that both the pandemic and our increasingly digital age, filled with screens and virtual connection, are...


Insight: We haven’t lost any of the skills or the knowledge we had before

... Insight: We haven’t lost any of the skills or the knowledge we had before 22 April 2020 In this week’s blog our Senior Policy Officer, Emma Rogan, shares how the Policy, Projects and Participation team at Children in Scotland is...


Feel the fear and do it anyway: support from colleagues and new skills acquired during our volunteer's fourth week

... Face the fear and do it anyway: support from colleagues and new skills acquired during our volunteer's fourth week 2 Aug 2019 Last week was an interesting one! I found a new topic that I had previously thought was a little boring and also...


STEM Strategy targets gender bias and skills improvement

... STEM Strategy targets gender bias and skills improvement 27 Oct 2017 The Scottish Government has published its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Education and Training Strategy for Scotland. The strategy focuses on...

Education

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

10 achievements, highlights and special moments of 2024

...(click here for more) to help support practitioners across the children’s sector to learn new skills and expand their professional knowledge. Offering a wide range of free courses, the portal has been curated to help meet practitioners’...


Primary pupils encouraged to submit jokes for the 2025 VoiceBox Competition

...schools across Scotland a light-hearted and inclusive way for pupils to develop communication skills, confidence and self-esteem. Developed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), the 2025 VoiceBox Competition has...


Making Sense of Scotland – a creative approach to engaging young people with their heritage

...support a wide range of initiatives for children and young people including education, developing skills for life and work and wellbeing. As a source of inspiration, it is an inspiring and varied medium for project work and supporting creativity....


Open Kindergarten Project -the importance of holistic, person-centred support for parents and carers

...Open Kindergarten model – which offers parents and carers the opportunity to develop parenting skills, confidence and knowledge – will be tested in different settings in central Scotland. As the new phase begins, Amy Woodhouse, Chief...


Over 50 schools share £150,000 investment to mark Book Week Scotland

...reflect on the vital role school libraries play in supporting improved literacy and communications skills in our children. “I am very pleased to see a range of creative projects benefit from this funding, which will ultimately encourage more...


Celebrating Connection and Community: Befriending Week 2024

...our focus for the day will be on the Future of Befriending. We will provide keynotes on Leadership skills, Innovation and Collaboration, and Volunteer Recruitment, with the hope that every attendee gains useful information and renewed confidence in...


Managing ‘conflicts of interest’ – not as scary or hard as it might sound

...shouldn’t put anyone off. Proper management is the key. What is important is that we release the skills, experience, energy and insight of those in Scotland into the third sector so that it can fully play its essential role in contributing to the...


Access All Arts Fund opens for a third year

...a fantastic opportunity for anyone in Scotland between the ages of 11 and 25 to develop existing skills in the arts or even try something new. What’s so special about this project is that awards are determined by a panel of children and young...


16 years of supporting children to stand up for their rights

... Children and young people are empowered by having their own lawyer who uses their legal skills to make sure that the young person is always kept at the heart of every decision made about them. With the incorporation of the UNCRC into...


Promoting continuity rather than reform: Children in Scotland’s views on the Education (Scotland) Bill

...and Young People’s Committee on the Education (Scotland) Bill, which will support education and skills reform being taken forward by the Scottish Government.   As an active partner in the education reform process over a number of years,...


Five benefits of lifelong learning

...Five benefits of lifelong learning 15 Aug 2024 Did you know that learning new skills can boost your confidence? Or that upskilling can help you make new professional connections? At Children in Scotland, we are passionate about continuous...


#NoWrongPath: Children in Scotland staff share advice on SQA results day

...been ready. To some degree I still don't know what I want to do, but I know where my passion and skills lie, and that is in supporting and helping people to be all that they can. But I really did love painting cars,  too!” Julie Thomson,...


Five child-friendly nature activities for the summer holidays

...is on hand to help. From venturing outdoors to learn about insects to improving maths skills through butterfly spotting, discover the environmental charity's top recommendations for free and fun nature-led activities the whole family...


The road to safer journeys for children and young people

...many years. RSS sees road safety as a lifelong-learning process and, therefore, the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will be required when young people become independent road users – across all modes, including as pedestrians, cyclists,...


Nominations now open for Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2024

...of a child or young person, nominees may also have helped children and young people develop basic skills and habits to deal with challenges later in their life. Young Achiever Award: a child or young person who has shown great determination and...


Safety. Sorted! Helping families to keep their children safer this Child Safety Week

...annual community education campaign, aiming to equip and empower families with the confidence and skills to manage the real risks to children’s safety. We want all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm. However,...


We can all be allies

...resilience and supports recovery by being a strengths-based programme, acknowledging the survival skills of young people, increasing their social support and opportunities for community integration, and sharing psychosocial skills and expertise...


Preventing gambling harms for Scotland's young people

...that can be adapted for both formal and informal settings, a diverse range of ages, objectives, skills and competencies. The materials have a strong focus on promoting awareness-raising, prevention and education.  We encourage anyone working...


An accessible new learning portal for the children’s sector launches

...to create a fantastic resource for people working across the sector who are looking to gain new skills in a wide range of relevant areas.  With a wide range of free Open University courses available, there will be something for everyone, no...


"Even after 20 years as Dr Spritely, every day still feels new and exciting"

...know playing with us can help reduce stress and anxiety, while improving communication and social skills. We've worked with children who, teachers tell us, never speak outside of the home, but while playing with the clowndoctors – who, of...


Increasing access to hobbies for children and young people

... Hobbies are brilliant things for many reasons. Hobbies give us the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and self esteem and make friends. If we’re lucky, we may find interests and passions that stay with us our whole...


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

...practitioners working with children and young people, it is important to continually develop new skills, knowledge and expertise to provide the best care possible. To help organisations keep up with best practice across the sector, make the most...


Explore Therapeutic Life Story Work as Diploma course launches for 2024

...with Traumatised Children - A Model for Practice (2012), designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and experience to undertake TLSW with children and young people.  Ahead of the 2024 intake, Children in Scotland spoke to previous...


Further phase of national arts funding announced, as Access All Arts report launches

...faced as a young care-experienced person with mental health problems. Being able to access the new skills and have the right equipment makes a huge difference. I can see that with support to develop I do have the opportunity to make good...


Making cyber security fun for children

...O’Neill, founder of Story Learning, discusses a project that is advocating for cyber resilience skills to be developed in the early years Children are growing up in a digital world. According to a recent report by Ofcom, 97% of children in the...


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

...and wellbeing, as well as more general courses focused on leadership, sustainability and digital skills. Children in Scotland’s workforce will also benefit from the new partnership, with access to The Open University (OU) in Scotland’s...


“Children don’t need shorter holidays or longer school days. They need more play”

...and bring to the school. As play practitioners and professionals we are highly trained, and our skills and expertise have the potential to enhance the whole school community. It starts with relationships, from there we build mutual respect...

academic access to childcare fund childcare community Learning out of school care outcomes play School skills

AC25 - Exhibitors

...into powerful narratives. Our projects provide hands-on creative opportunities, fostering skills, confidence, and representation while partnering with organisations to drive meaningful change. Child Bereavement UK Commando...


AC25 - workshops

...as a lifelong-learning process which is everyone’s responsibility. Supporting the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for children to safely be in road environments, and also when young people become independent road users, across all...


Is hybrid really working for you?

...it diminishing my communication abilities? Has it made my existing anxieties worse? For all of the skills I have gained, have I also lost some? The wins: I see my family more, I can build teams of people from wider geography to achieve the aims of...


The Access All Arts Fund 2024 Event Page

...message! Email us Empowering Children 30 Oct 2024 | executive function skills to thrive in a dynamic world Reserve your...


Child Protection Lead Training

...children and young people. This interactive training course will provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to carry out the role and responsibilities of the Child Protection Lead. The themes of the day include a focus on...


08/10/24 - Delay or deficit?

...and primary school teachers have been sharing concerns around children’s delayed communications skills and immature social and emotional development since the pandemic and consequent isolation during lockdown restrictions. Practitioners appear...


2024 Child Development Series

...lockdown Learn more Empowering children 30 Oct | Executive function skills to thrive Learn more The teenage brain 12 Nov | Implications for behaviour and learning Learn...


AC24 - Exhibition Hall

...each child and family. With state-of-the-art facilities, we continuously enhance our services and skills to support children throughout Scotland. emails | facebook | instagram | X Fast Forward is Scotland’s national youthwork organisation...


AC24 - Speaker Bios

...wider community. His background is in teaching and coaching, with a particular interest in soft skills, personality and character development. Steven has a BSc in Sports Studies and a PGDE in Education. He recently relocated from Aberdeen back...


Our Trainers & Speakers

...change for children. Each of them is passionate about sharing their knowledge to strengthen the skills of those working in the children’s sector. All our trainers possess the qualities and skills we believe are vital to our success in...


Aisha Shafiq

...and training sessions that help professionals working with children and young people gain valuable skills and knowledge. Handling a range of aspects from coordinating speakers and venues to promoting the events and ensuring they run smoothly. This...

shafiq

Our history

...slower at the same time”. Having provided in-person professional development to strengthen the skills of the children’s sector workforce for 27 years, the learning and events team abruptly shifted their programme online as Covid took hold....


Access to Childcare Fund evaluation published

...a range of positive outcomes, including increased opportunities for children to develop social skills and strengthen relationships with both adults and peers, especially for those with additional support needs. Minister for Children and Young...

childcare Children early learning Early years Families

Young musicians invited to Hit The Road

...live sound engineering to stage production, equipping young artists with essential knowledge and skills for developing a career in the music industry. Managed by the Scottish Music Centre and funded by the Youth Music Initiative (click here for...

Arts music scotland young people

Exam helpline launched for Scottish pupils

...27.07.23 by Alice Hinds exams higher education Scottish Schools skills Scottish pupils will be able to access free, impartial career advice after receiving their exam results via a dedicated helpline...

exams higher education Scottish Schools skills

Encouraging students towards digital tech

...2023 by Nina Joynson digital funding schools Scottish Government skills technology Applications are open for a digital fund that supports tech initiatives which enhance the development of young...

digital funding schools Scottish Government skills technology


No results found.


Voicebox 2025: National joke-telling competition closes on April Fools Day

...plays in children’s development. From boosting confidence to strengthening speech and language skills, the competition is a fun and engaging way to showcase the power of communication. The competition officially launched in January on Blue...


Success Looks Different: Celebrating Inclusive Education in Scotland

...amazing and it was a lovely safe space.”  Jenny Gilruth (Cabinet Secretary for Education and skills) also shared her thoughts on this year’s awards, saying:  “I want to congratulate the winners and all of those who took part in this...


Strengthening support for Scotland’s children: What’s new in learning and membership for 2025

...training so that their staff can have the same learning opportunity and really embed knowledge and skills across the organisation at an affordable per-person cost. This will allow us to tailor our approach to individual needs, while continuing to...


Keeping the Promise in 2025

...the advice, learning or development on offer. Only by coming together, sharing our knowledge and skills and improving our understanding, will we be able to move forward with our commitment to #KeepThePromise to children, young people and families...


From screens to success – boosting children's executive function skills in the digital age

... From screens to success – boosting children's executive function skills in the digital age 25 Sep 2024 Emerging research has shown that both the pandemic and our increasingly digital age, filled with screens and virtual connection, are...


Insight: We haven’t lost any of the skills or the knowledge we had before

... Insight: We haven’t lost any of the skills or the knowledge we had before 22 April 2020 In this week’s blog our Senior Policy Officer, Emma Rogan, shares how the Policy, Projects and Participation team at Children in Scotland is...


Feel the fear and do it anyway: support from colleagues and new skills acquired during our volunteer's fourth week

... Face the fear and do it anyway: support from colleagues and new skills acquired during our volunteer's fourth week 2 Aug 2019 Last week was an interesting one! I found a new topic that I had previously thought was a little boring and also...


STEM Strategy targets gender bias and skills improvement

... STEM Strategy targets gender bias and skills improvement 27 Oct 2017 The Scottish Government has published its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Education and Training Strategy for Scotland. The strategy focuses on...

Education

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

10 achievements, highlights and special moments of 2024

...(click here for more) to help support practitioners across the children’s sector to learn new skills and expand their professional knowledge. Offering a wide range of free courses, the portal has been curated to help meet practitioners’...


Primary pupils encouraged to submit jokes for the 2025 VoiceBox Competition

...schools across Scotland a light-hearted and inclusive way for pupils to develop communication skills, confidence and self-esteem. Developed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), the 2025 VoiceBox Competition has...


Making Sense of Scotland – a creative approach to engaging young people with their heritage

...support a wide range of initiatives for children and young people including education, developing skills for life and work and wellbeing. As a source of inspiration, it is an inspiring and varied medium for project work and supporting creativity....


Open Kindergarten Project -the importance of holistic, person-centred support for parents and carers

...Open Kindergarten model – which offers parents and carers the opportunity to develop parenting skills, confidence and knowledge – will be tested in different settings in central Scotland. As the new phase begins, Amy Woodhouse, Chief...


Over 50 schools share £150,000 investment to mark Book Week Scotland

...reflect on the vital role school libraries play in supporting improved literacy and communications skills in our children. “I am very pleased to see a range of creative projects benefit from this funding, which will ultimately encourage more...


Celebrating Connection and Community: Befriending Week 2024

...our focus for the day will be on the Future of Befriending. We will provide keynotes on Leadership skills, Innovation and Collaboration, and Volunteer Recruitment, with the hope that every attendee gains useful information and renewed confidence in...


Managing ‘conflicts of interest’ – not as scary or hard as it might sound

...shouldn’t put anyone off. Proper management is the key. What is important is that we release the skills, experience, energy and insight of those in Scotland into the third sector so that it can fully play its essential role in contributing to the...


Access All Arts Fund opens for a third year

...a fantastic opportunity for anyone in Scotland between the ages of 11 and 25 to develop existing skills in the arts or even try something new. What’s so special about this project is that awards are determined by a panel of children and young...


16 years of supporting children to stand up for their rights

... Children and young people are empowered by having their own lawyer who uses their legal skills to make sure that the young person is always kept at the heart of every decision made about them. With the incorporation of the UNCRC into...


Promoting continuity rather than reform: Children in Scotland’s views on the Education (Scotland) Bill

...and Young People’s Committee on the Education (Scotland) Bill, which will support education and skills reform being taken forward by the Scottish Government.   As an active partner in the education reform process over a number of years,...


Five benefits of lifelong learning

...Five benefits of lifelong learning 15 Aug 2024 Did you know that learning new skills can boost your confidence? Or that upskilling can help you make new professional connections? At Children in Scotland, we are passionate about continuous...


#NoWrongPath: Children in Scotland staff share advice on SQA results day

...been ready. To some degree I still don't know what I want to do, but I know where my passion and skills lie, and that is in supporting and helping people to be all that they can. But I really did love painting cars,  too!” Julie Thomson,...


Five child-friendly nature activities for the summer holidays

...is on hand to help. From venturing outdoors to learn about insects to improving maths skills through butterfly spotting, discover the environmental charity's top recommendations for free and fun nature-led activities the whole family...


The road to safer journeys for children and young people

...many years. RSS sees road safety as a lifelong-learning process and, therefore, the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will be required when young people become independent road users – across all modes, including as pedestrians, cyclists,...


Nominations now open for Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2024

...of a child or young person, nominees may also have helped children and young people develop basic skills and habits to deal with challenges later in their life. Young Achiever Award: a child or young person who has shown great determination and...


Safety. Sorted! Helping families to keep their children safer this Child Safety Week

...annual community education campaign, aiming to equip and empower families with the confidence and skills to manage the real risks to children’s safety. We want all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm. However,...


We can all be allies

...resilience and supports recovery by being a strengths-based programme, acknowledging the survival skills of young people, increasing their social support and opportunities for community integration, and sharing psychosocial skills and expertise...


Preventing gambling harms for Scotland's young people

...that can be adapted for both formal and informal settings, a diverse range of ages, objectives, skills and competencies. The materials have a strong focus on promoting awareness-raising, prevention and education.  We encourage anyone working...


An accessible new learning portal for the children’s sector launches

...to create a fantastic resource for people working across the sector who are looking to gain new skills in a wide range of relevant areas.  With a wide range of free Open University courses available, there will be something for everyone, no...


"Even after 20 years as Dr Spritely, every day still feels new and exciting"

...know playing with us can help reduce stress and anxiety, while improving communication and social skills. We've worked with children who, teachers tell us, never speak outside of the home, but while playing with the clowndoctors – who, of...


Increasing access to hobbies for children and young people

... Hobbies are brilliant things for many reasons. Hobbies give us the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and self esteem and make friends. If we’re lucky, we may find interests and passions that stay with us our whole...


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

...practitioners working with children and young people, it is important to continually develop new skills, knowledge and expertise to provide the best care possible. To help organisations keep up with best practice across the sector, make the most...


Explore Therapeutic Life Story Work as Diploma course launches for 2024

...with Traumatised Children - A Model for Practice (2012), designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and experience to undertake TLSW with children and young people.  Ahead of the 2024 intake, Children in Scotland spoke to previous...


Further phase of national arts funding announced, as Access All Arts report launches

...faced as a young care-experienced person with mental health problems. Being able to access the new skills and have the right equipment makes a huge difference. I can see that with support to develop I do have the opportunity to make good...


Making cyber security fun for children

...O’Neill, founder of Story Learning, discusses a project that is advocating for cyber resilience skills to be developed in the early years Children are growing up in a digital world. According to a recent report by Ofcom, 97% of children in the...


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

...and wellbeing, as well as more general courses focused on leadership, sustainability and digital skills. Children in Scotland’s workforce will also benefit from the new partnership, with access to The Open University (OU) in Scotland’s...


“Children don’t need shorter holidays or longer school days. They need more play”

...and bring to the school. As play practitioners and professionals we are highly trained, and our skills and expertise have the potential to enhance the whole school community. It starts with relationships, from there we build mutual respect...

academic access to childcare fund childcare community Learning out of school care outcomes play School skills


No results found.


No results found.


Aisha Shafiq

...and training sessions that help professionals working with children and young people gain valuable skills and knowledge. Handling a range of aspects from coordinating speakers and venues to promoting the events and ensuring they run smoothly. This...

shafiq


AC25 - Exhibitors

...into powerful narratives. Our projects provide hands-on creative opportunities, fostering skills, confidence, and representation while partnering with organisations to drive meaningful change. Child Bereavement UK Commando...


AC25 - workshops

...as a lifelong-learning process which is everyone’s responsibility. Supporting the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for children to safely be in road environments, and also when young people become independent road users, across all...


The Access All Arts Fund 2024 Event Page

...message! Email us Empowering Children 30 Oct 2024 | executive function skills to thrive in a dynamic world Reserve your...


Child Protection Lead Training

...children and young people. This interactive training course will provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to carry out the role and responsibilities of the Child Protection Lead. The themes of the day include a focus on...


08/10/24 - Delay or deficit?

...and primary school teachers have been sharing concerns around children’s delayed communications skills and immature social and emotional development since the pandemic and consequent isolation during lockdown restrictions. Practitioners appear...


2024 Child Development Series

...lockdown Learn more Empowering children 30 Oct | Executive function skills to thrive Learn more The teenage brain 12 Nov | Implications for behaviour and learning Learn...


AC24 - Exhibition Hall

...each child and family. With state-of-the-art facilities, we continuously enhance our services and skills to support children throughout Scotland. emails | facebook | instagram | X Fast Forward is Scotland’s national youthwork organisation...


AC24 - Speaker Bios

...wider community. His background is in teaching and coaching, with a particular interest in soft skills, personality and character development. Steven has a BSc in Sports Studies and a PGDE in Education. He recently relocated from Aberdeen back...


Our Trainers & Speakers

...change for children. Each of them is passionate about sharing their knowledge to strengthen the skills of those working in the children’s sector. All our trainers possess the qualities and skills we believe are vital to our success in...


Our history

...slower at the same time”. Having provided in-person professional development to strengthen the skills of the children’s sector workforce for 27 years, the learning and events team abruptly shifted their programme online as Covid took hold....



No results found.


No results found.


Is hybrid really working for you?
post

...it diminishing my communication abilities? Has it made my existing anxieties worse? For all of the skills I have gained, have I also lost some? The wins: I see my family more, I can build teams of people from wider geography to achieve the aims of...


Access to Childcare Fund evaluation published
post

...a range of positive outcomes, including increased opportunities for children to develop social skills and strengthen relationships with both adults and peers, especially for those with additional support needs. Minister for Children and Young...

childcare Children early learning Early years Families

Young musicians invited to Hit The Road
post

...live sound engineering to stage production, equipping young artists with essential knowledge and skills for developing a career in the music industry. Managed by the Scottish Music Centre and funded by the Youth Music Initiative (click here for...

Arts music scotland young people

Exam helpline launched for Scottish pupils
post

...27.07.23 by Alice Hinds exams higher education Scottish Schools skills Scottish pupils will be able to access free, impartial career advice after receiving their exam results via a dedicated helpline...

exams higher education Scottish Schools skills

Encouraging students towards digital tech
post

...2023 by Nina Joynson digital funding schools Scottish Government skills technology Applications are open for a digital fund that supports tech initiatives which enhance the development of young...

digital funding schools Scottish Government skills technology