Nordic-style open kindergarten to be trialled in Scotland

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

A new Nordic-style "Open Kindergarten" is being tested in Scotland, with plans for possible expansion across the country. It was launched at a special event in Bonnyrigg, bringing together early childhood experts, local decision-makers, charities, and parents.

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Future of Scotland's Commissioner Landscape

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Reporting to and monitoring the UNCRC, Funding

In a recent parliamentary debate, MSPs reviewed findings from the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s inquiry into Scotland’s growing number of commissioner roles, focusing on issues of cost, accountability, and potential overlap.

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Scottish Parliament takes evidence on proposed Education (Scotland) Bill

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

The Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee has heard evidence from civil society and NHRIs on the proposed Education (Scotland) Bill. The legislation seeks to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new body, Qualifications Scotland (QS), and create an independent Chief Inspector of Education.

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Joint letter to Cabinet Secretary on impact of the Prevent strategy

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Civil Rights and Freedoms, Other human rights treaties and mechanisms

In a joint letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Amnesty International alongside Together and other human rights defenders are calling on the Scottish Government to review the Prevent strategy, raising concerns that it harms human rights in Scotland.

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New reports suggest major changes for secure care in Scotland

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Civil Rights and Freedoms, UNCRC Optional Protocols and General Comments, Special protection measures

The Scottish Government and the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) have released three new reports that propose big changes to how secure care is handled for young people in Scotland. Known as the Reimagining Secure Care project, these reports suggest a new way forward that puts children’s rights and wellbeing at the centre of care.

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‘The chat’ report and findings

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: General principles

TheChat was commissioned to find out how parents and carers support their children when it comes to learning about friendships and relationships, growing up and puberty, being safe and issues like consent. A recent report shares the project’s findings.

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Nominations open for 2025 national youth work awards

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation

The 2025 National Youth Work Awards are now accepting nominations, inviting people across Scotland to celebrate the youth workers, projects, and organisations making a real difference in young people’s lives. This annual event recognises inspiring individuals and innovative projects that positively impact Scotland's youth.

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UK Government must uphold children’s privacy in new data law

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Civil Rights and Freedoms

The UK Government has introduced a new draft bill, the Data (Use and Access) Bill , aimed at updating key elements of data protection. This legislation seeks to leverage data for economic growth, modernise digital government and improve lives.

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Smartphone policies in schools: what does the evidence say?

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation

A new report by the London School of Economics (LSE) and the 5Rights Digital Futures for Children research centre has looked into whether banning smartphones in schools helps students learn better.

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Northern Ireland Commissioner emphasises the need to remain independent

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Reporting to and monitoring the UNCRC

A review of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) has led it to express concerns about potential threats to its independence. The review was undertaken on behalf of the Department of Communities, with the aim of considering the need, form, effectiveness and function of commissioner roles.

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