“Education leaders must act on what they tell us”

Young people aged 14 to 17 worked with the Children and Young People’s Commissioner and education leaders at our third Shoogle Lab event yesterday. 

The teenagers shared their views on what was needed to make the education system better for children with additional support needs. The young people who took part were supported to attend by Children in Scotland.

They did this through games, discussions, and arts and crafts, and they talked about the support they receive in education, and how their voice is heard.

One young person shared that they loved, “getting to explore and share my views”. 

Another – when asked how they are treated by adults in schools – said: “I want to be myself. Not seen as a group.” 

The Shoogle Lab also welcomed decision-makers within education and representatives from HMIE, Qualifications Scotland, and Education Scotland listened to the young people’s ideas and views. 

Yesterday’s event, held in our office, was part of Commissioner Nicola Killean’s wider work on her priority issue of education. Through the Shoogle Lab, the Commissioner’s ultimate aim is to improve participation in education, giving all children greater access to their right to be heard on decisions that affect their lives. This includes decisions that affect them individually and those covering wider education reform.  

The first Shoogle Lab session, in December, involved our Young Advisors, education leaders, world-famous musician Dame Evelyn Glennie, and participation expert Professor Laura Lundy. Its theme was the power of listening to children and young people.  

The second session was held online last month. It was facilitated by Young Advisors Aisha, Arianna, Grace, Phoebe, Robert, and Saif, and focused on the link between feedback from children and accountability from adults in the education system. 

After yesterday’s session, Commissioner Nicola Kilean said: “We had another very successful Shoogle Lab, and I want to thank the young people involved for taking part and for their honesty and insights. They made yesterday’s event very powerful. It’s not enough to give them the opportunity to be heard though, education leaders must act on what they tell us and ensure that children and young people are at the heart of any changes to the education system now and into the future.” 

The final Shoogle Lab on education will be held in June.