Education
Table of contents
All children have the right to an education that develops their personalities, talents, and abilities to their fullest potential.
But too many children and young people’s needs are not being met in our current education system. Children have shared their experiences of feeling misunderstood or being in classes where the trusted adults simply don’t have the time to help. Others have told us they worry about seeing their classmates struggling, and that they need more support and understanding.
Children should be at the heart of shaping change to education, working alongside all those adults tasked with delivering it – government, decision-makers, and practitioners. We will focus on putting children and young people’s views, needs and rights at the heart of the education reform agenda and decision-making.
Our work on education
Camouflaged in the education system: The experiences of children and young people from Armed Forces families
Children whose parents or carers work in the Armed Forces are not receiving the support they need in education, especially around assessments and exams, according to a new report (March 2026). Charity Forces Children
Barriers leave Care Experienced children struggling to access right to education, says report
Charity Who Cares? Scotland has produced a report for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland to look at the barriers Care Experienced children face in education, and what needs to change.
Why we really must listen to children
Children across Scotland have told us that education is one of their top priorities and we asked Professor Lundy — a leading global expert on children’s participation — to set out the compelling legal, moral and practical reasons why children must be listened to in every part of their education.
Alternative education provision for children: Learning from the e-Sgoil model
We’ve launched this Good Practice resource to highlight the impact of e-Sgoil, a national online teaching service that supports children and young people in different ways. Whether it’s live study support sessions after school, specialist teacher input, or full-time learning for those who can’t attend school in person—e-Sgoil helps children keep learning in ways that suit them.
Commissioner shares progress with children on education work
Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, has shared a video update for children on her education work — one of the key priorities children and young people asked her to focus on.
Commissioner highlights support programme for headteachers with positive impact on children’s rights
Headteachers in the Highlands and Moray are making the most of an innovative support programme – and children are reaping the benefits too.
“This is our lives, it matters a lot.” Putting children’s rights at the heart of education
This report shares what children and young people across Scotland told the Commissioner about their current experiences of education – and what needs to change. It sets out urgent recommendations to put children’s rights at the heart of the education system, including better support for those with additional needs, fairer access to subject choices, and a national online learning offer.
What children and young people told us?
If they were Commissioner for the day, 20% (1 in 5) told us they would work on education.
Children told us they wanted to feel safer in school.
Make sure all children are supported, especially those with additional support needs
Exams are stressful and don’t show everything children and young people can do.
What young people said…
“It completely changed when I got to S5 – course content, assessments. Higher is the most stressful thing I’ve ever done.”
“Everyone learns differently and classes need to change to support that.”
“Pupils need to feel safe in school and know where to go for help.”
“Sleep goes to fit everything in.”
“This is our lives it matters alot.”
Children also shared their views in our special report “This is our lives, it matters a lot.” Putting children’s rights at the heart of education”. This report shared what children and young people across Scotland told the Commissioner about their current experiences of education – and what needs to change. It set out urgent recommendations to put children’s rights at the heart of the education system, including better support for those with additional needs, fairer access to subject choices, and a national online learning offer. The report calls for fundamental reform that focuses on each child’s potential, not just exam results, and urges decision-makers to listen to children and act now.
“This is our lives, it matters a lot.” Putting children’s rights at the heart of education
This report shares what children and young people across Scotland told the Commissioner about their current experiences of education – and what needs to change. It sets out urgent recommendations to put children’s rights at the heart of the education system, including better support for those with additional needs, fairer access to subject choices, and a national online learning offer.
Commissioner: Education reform’s glacial pace and wrong focus fails children
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner has urged the Scottish Government and authorities to urgently redesign education, so it works for ALL children. Commissioner Nicola Killean has made recommendations to improve the education system in a new report – warning that too many children are failing to thrive in the current set-up.
More education news
Children’s Commissioner: Education leaders need to listen to young people and change exam pressure
Young people across Scotland receive their exam results today, and the Children’s Commissioner has recognised that it will be a day of mixed emotions.
Children’s powerful films on education highlight urgent need for change
Today we launch our Storylines project – three short films made with and by children about their experiences of education. The films were made with three different groups of children who have found challenges in mainstream school. They explore their experiences creatively and share ideas and solutions on what would improve the education system.
Third Shoogle Lab held: Children and Commissioner focus on additional support needs in education
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.
Feedback and accountability are the focus in Commissioner’s second Shoogle Lab
Children’s Commissioner hosts the second Shoogle Lab event with Young Advisors, Professor Laura Lundy, and education leaders.
Children from Forces families denied full right to education, says new report
Charity Forces Children Scotland produces a report for the Children’s Commissioner about Forces children’s experiences of education, and makes recommendations.
International Day of Education highlights need to put children at the heart of reform
It’s International Day of Education tomorrow, celebrating the importance of education as a human right to tackle poverty, promote peace, and to develop skills. This year’s theme – the power of youth in co-creating education – is a fundamental basis of our work.
Young Advisor Elsie’s blog marks International Day of Education
The theme of this year’s International Day of Education recognises the importance of children’s voices in developing inclusive and equitable education. To mark the day, Young Advisor Elsie, 15, blogs about an aspect of education that she feels passionate about: the crucial role teachers have in delivering children’s rights, what makes a good teacher, and why they can have such an impact on a child…
Commissioner shares progress with children on education work
Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, has shared a video update for children on her education work — one of the key priorities children and young people asked her to focus on.
Changing the tune – Commissioner hosts young people, Dame Evelyn Glennie, and experts to improve education system
World-famous musician Dame Evelyn Glennie is joining young people, the Children’s Commissioner, and education leaders to improve listening to children in schools.
Commissioner praises service offering “second chance at education”
Children’s Commissioner Nicola Killean spent time listening to young people share their experiences about using The Cottage, in Falkirk, because they can’t go to school.
Children can shake up education in the Shoogle Lab with our new activities
We’re going to shake up education in our Shoogle Lab – and we need children to take part in fun, play-based activities to shape our work.
UNCRC incorporation, new legal powers, meaningful participation: Our Annual Report covers a special year for children’s rights
Today we publish our Annual Report, covering the period from 1 April, 2024, until 31 March, 2025, and Commissioner Nicola Killean’s first full year in the role.
Young Advisor Robert addresses United Nations in Geneva
Young Advisor Robert spoke at the United Nations in Geneva about the right to education today. Robert was one of just five children from around the world to address a working group on an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to free pre-primary education, and free secondary education.
Too many care experienced children are not being supported to thrive in education.
These statistics sound another warning to the Scottish Government that too many care experienced children are not being supported to thrive in education. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential. But we know this isn’t happening for lots of children who have care experience.
Children’s Commissioner: Pressure of exam results day reminds us why education system must change
Children’s Commissioner has a message for young people as they receive results and again calls for education reform.
Young Advisors give views on how to improve school inspections
Our Young Advisors have met representatives from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) to discuss how to improve school inspections.
Young Advisors share education views with the UN
The Commissioner’s Young Advisors Group have submitted a response to the United Nations on the right to education, looking at barriers to learning, attainment, and attendance.
Study guidance, supply teachers, and support for children who can’t go to school – the wide-ranging work of e-Sgoil
Thousands of children across the country are making the most of online teaching to help them access their right to education. Online learning and teaching platform e-Sgoil offers a range of support for children and young people, who have the right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential.
Children’s Commissioner: There’s a lot to learn from new report into care experienced children and education
Our office has commissioned Who Cares? Scotland to look at care experienced children and young people within the education system, and to find out what they think should change. Commissioner Nicola Killean writes about the report, its findings, and what needs to be done to make sure children’s rights are at the heart of education…
Barriers leave Care Experienced children struggling to access right to education, says report
Charity Who Cares? Scotland has produced a report for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland to look at the barriers Care Experienced children face in education, and what needs to change.
“Study Support sessions with e-Sgoil were great – it was a very flexible way of learning”
Exam season has started for young people in Scotland, and Robert, 16, shares how he prepared for his exams last year by using e-Sgoil’s Study Support programme.
Commissioner highlights support programme for headteachers with positive impact on children’s rights
Headteachers in the Highlands and Moray are making the most of an innovative support programme – and children are reaping the benefits too.
Commissioner: Education reform’s glacial pace and wrong focus fails children
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner has urged the Scottish Government and authorities to urgently redesign education, so it works for ALL children. Commissioner Nicola Killean has made recommendations to improve the education system in a new report – warning that too many children are failing to thrive in the current set-up.
New film showcases Young Advisors’ work to improve education in Scotland
Our group of Young Advisors have been working with us on the challenges young people face in education and share their learning in a film launched today.
Statement: Commissioner responds to Audit Scotland report on additional support for learning
Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, said: “Too many children are being failed by an education system that does not deliver their rights. Audit Scotland’s deeply concerning report reveals that when it comes to additional support for learning, for children in Scotland the ‘scale of unmet need is unknown’.
MSP debate should focus on education system reform, says Children’s Commissioner
Speaking ahead of today’s Parliamentary debate on education, Commissioner Nicola Killean urges MSPs to put children at the centre of reform.
Commissioner: Children are being let down by education system
Commissioner Nicola Killean writes for The Herald about the urgent need for a rights-based, inclusive education system that supports every child to realise their full potential.
Young Advisor Robert: “I hope our recommendation in education report becomes reality.”
The Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee publishes Education (Scotland) Bill report and includes a recommendation from Commissioner’s Young Advisors.
Commissioner’s five key points for child rights-based Scottish Budget
The Scottish Budget will be published this week, the first since the UNCRC (Incorporation)(Scotland) Act came into force. Children and Young People’s Commissioner, Nicola Killean writes ahead of the Scottish Budget: 2024-2025, outlining the five key things she wants to see within it.
Call to end school meal debt
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean has joined leading charities and third sector organisations in calling on the Scottish Government to end school meal debt and hidden hunger.
Commissioner Nicola Killean responds to Scottish Government guidance on ‘physical intervention in schools’
Six years ago, the Scottish Government promised to issue guidance on restraint and seclusion, to review it after a year, and place it on a statutory footing if it wasn’t working. It is very concerning that it has taken so long just to get to this first step.
Our evidence to Scottish Parliament: “Children and young people want to see fundamental change in education”
We have given evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee at the Scottish Parliament as they considered the Education (Scotland) Bill, which proposes replacing the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with Qualifications Scotland (QS) and establishing an independent HM Chief Inspector of Education.
Young people need much more than Scottish Government’s ‘tentative steps’ to improve education, urges Children’s Commissioner
Children and Young People’s Commissioner, Nicola Killean, has criticised the Scottish Government’s lack of commitment to comprehensive education reform following the Hayward Review on qualifications and assessments. Highlighting the absence of clear timelines and allocated resources, Killean called for urgent action to address young people’s needs. Education experts, including Professor Louise Hayward, Angela Morgan, and Professor Ken Muir, echoed her concerns, emphasising the need for swift and meaningful reforms to reduce exam pressure and create a more inclusive education system.
Statement: Marking issues undermine children’s rights
Marking issues affecting several students who took Higher History this year has raised concerns about their right to education. We call for a transparent and fair appeals process, allowing students to contest their results with alternative evidence considered.
Children’s Commissioner slams Scottish Government’s ‘broken promise to children’ on free school meals
Speaking ahead of the parliamentary debate tabled for tomorrow (Wednesday 11/09) the Children and Young People’s Commissioner, Nicola Killean urged the Scottish Government to reverse its decision to only expand
Today’s Programme for Government fails to address systemic problems in education, warns Children’s Commissioner
Nicola Killean has criticised the Scottish Government for dropping its focus on genuine education reform, warning that it puts children’s rights at risk.
Exams results day: Commissioner says be proud and good luck for your next chapter
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean has a message for young people as they receive their exam results.
Our Annual Report is published – and marks an incredibly exciting year
Today we publish our Annual Report, covering the period from 1 April, 2023, until 31 March, 2024. It’s been a busy time for the office as we welcomed a new Children’s Commissioner, Nicola Killean. As ever, the insights, voices, and experiences of children and young people have been at the heart of our work.
Reform must go well beyond education agencies
Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner responds to the proposed Education (Scotland) Bill, urging Scottish Government to involve children in whole system reform.
Our Plan 2024-28 is launched today – and it has children and young people at its heart
Today we’re introducing our plan for the next four years and it has been built around children and young people’s views.
Bullying is a violation of children’s rights
Recent research from the University of Glasgow shows the impact on young people. Commissioner Nicola Killean responds to highlight the children’s rights engaged on this issue.
More education work
Letter to the Prime Minister on strengthening children’s legal protections in Scotland
The Commissioner has written to the Prime Minister proposing a practical change to the Scotland Act 1998. The change would allow Scotland’s UNCRC Act to apply more consistently when Scottish
Children in alternative education – their experiences
This project summary resource complements the storylines films — a creative participation project with children and young people in alternative education. Through three short films, children shared their experiences of education, what helps them learn and what needs to change. The children highlight the importance of trusted relationships, flexible support, and safe learning environments.
Education – support for part-time study and disabled students
October 2025. We responded to the Scottish Government’s Consultation on this. This response was original submitted via the Scottish Government consultation portal. We have responded only to the consultation questions
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill – Stage 2 briefing
March 2026. We provided the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee with a briefing ahead of their consideration of amendments to this bill at Stage 2. The Commissioner
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3 briefing
March 2026. We provided MSPs with a briefing ahead of their final consideration of this bill. This Bill represents the culmination of many years of campaigning by children, their families
Children (Care, Care Experience and Service Planning (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3 MSP briefing
March 2026. We sent MSPs a briefing ahead of their Stage 3 consideration of the above Bill. We have previously provided the Education, Children and Young People Committee with Stage
Camouflaged in the education system: The experiences of children and young people from Armed Forces families
Children whose parents or carers work in the Armed Forces are not receiving the support they need in education, especially around assessments and exams, according to a new report (March 2026). Charity Forces Children
Independent Special Advisor on Education Reform
February 2026. We provided a response to the Independent Special Advisor on Education Reforms Call for Views. Improvement Realising every child’s right to an education is key to driving improvement
Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
January 2026. We provided the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to an Education with a submission on children’s right to an education in Scotland to inform her report on
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Briefing
January 2025. We provided MSPs with a briefing ahead of their Stage 1 debate on this Bill. The Commissioner welcomes and support’s Daniel Johnson MSP’s Members Bill on the use
Education (Scotland) Bill – MSP Briefing Stage 3
June 2025. We provided MSPs with a briefing ahead of their consideration of this bill which, amongst other measures, replaced the SQA with a new qualifications body and re-establishes an
Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty (Scotland) Bill
Stage 2 Briefing December 2025. We provided members of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee with a briefing ahead of their Stage 2 consideration of this bill. Our
Why we really must listen to children
Children across Scotland have told us that education is one of their top priorities and we asked Professor Lundy — a leading global expert on children’s participation — to set out the compelling legal, moral and practical reasons why children must be listened to in every part of their education.
School Inspections are changing – HMIE consultation
November 2025. We provided a response to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education’s consultation on school inspections. School inspections are one of the ways Scotland has chosen to ensure all children’s
Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill
Stage 1 Briefing November 2025. We provided a briefing to MSPs ahead of the Stage 1 debate on the above bill. Key points: Part 1 Part 2 We will only
Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill
October 2025. The Commissioner provided the Equality, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee with written eviden during their Stage 1 consideration of the above bill. Key points Part 1 Part
Annual Report 2024 – 2025
Our Annual Report covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, marking Commissioner Nicola Killean’s first full year in the role. It reflects a landmark moment for children’s rights in Scotland, with the UNCRC incorporated into Scots law for the first time — the most significant change to the office’s powers since its creation in 2003.
Briefing on proposed new Optional Protocol to the UNCRC
Established by the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003, the Commissioner is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the rights of all children and young people in Scotland,
ADHD and ASD pathways and support
August 2025. We submitted a response to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s inquiry into diagnositic pathways and support for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and
Draft General Comment 27 on children’s right to access to justice and effective remedy
June 2025. We commented on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s draft of their General Comment. This response draws on our previous submission to the UN Committee[1]
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill
July 2025. We submitted written Stage 1 evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee to express our support for Daniel Johnson MSP’s members bill on restraint and seclusion
YAG submission – new Optional Protocol on education.
June 2025. Our Young Advisors Group have submitted a response to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ open-ended intergovernmental working group on a new Optional Protocol to
Alternative education provision for children: Learning from the e-Sgoil model
We’ve launched this Good Practice resource to highlight the impact of e-Sgoil, a national online teaching service that supports children and young people in different ways. Whether it’s live study support sessions after school, specialist teacher input, or full-time learning for those who can’t attend school in person—e-Sgoil helps children keep learning in ways that suit them.
PE2139: Automatic expulsion for children charged with committing a crime against another child
May 2025. The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee at the Scottish Parliament asked us to provide them with a submission about this petition. Thank you for the opportunity to
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
May 2025. We responded to a call for views from the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group developing a new Optional Protocol to the UNCRC on Education. You can find out more
Civil Legal Aid
April 2025. We submitted evidence to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, highlighting how availability of legal advice and assistance can affect children’s right to justice and effective
British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015
May 2025. We responded to the Equality, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee’s Inquiry into the implementation of this Act. The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland is a listed
Education (Scotland) Bill Stage 2
April 2025. We provided a briefing for members of the Education, Children and Young People Committee ahead of their consideration of amendments to this bill. Children’s right to participate Our
“This is our lives, it matters a lot.” – Children and young people’s version
These seven short videos are the children and young people’s friendly version of our report, “This is our lives, it matters a lot.” They share what children and young people across Scotland told the Commissioner about their current experiences of education – and what needs to change. The videos highlight urgent recommendations to put children’s rights at the heart of the education system, including better support for those with additional needs, fairer access to subject choices, and a national online learning offer.
“This is our lives, it matters a lot.” Putting children’s rights at the heart of education
This report shares what children and young people across Scotland told the Commissioner about their current experiences of education – and what needs to change. It sets out urgent recommendations to put children’s rights at the heart of the education system, including better support for those with additional needs, fairer access to subject choices, and a national online learning offer.
Letter to Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers – Statutory Framework on Restraint and Seclusion
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, alongside the Scottish Human Rights Commission, The Promise Scotland, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has urged the Scottish Government to establish a unified statutory framework on restraint and seclusion across all child care settings.
Proposed Youth Work Bill
February 2025. We responded to MSP Martin Whitfield’s proposal for a Youth Work Bill. Youth work in Scotland plays an important role in ensuring children can access their UNCRC rights.
Religious observance in schools
January 2025. We responded to a Scottish Government consultation. Our response relates only to proposals around religious observance. We previously responded to the Scottish Government consultation on guidance on religious
Draft General Comment 27 on Children’s Rights to Access to Justice and Effective Remedies – YAG response
December 2024. A group of our Young Advisers responded to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s consultation on their new General Comment. Drawing on the work they
MSP Briefing: Education (Scotland) Bill – Stage 1
December 2024. We provided MSPs with a briefing ahead of their consideration of this Bill at Stage 1. This briefing is provided to MSPs ahead of their Stage 1 consideration
Education (Scotland) Bill – supplementary evidence
October 2024. We provided addition evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee at the Scottish Parliament, following our oral evidence to Committee on 2 October 2024. We share
GTCS Fitness to Teach Rules review
November 2024. Our office provided a response to the GTCS’s review of how their Fitness to Practice process operates. We highlighted the importance of ensuring children can participate in this
General Comment 27 on Children’s Rights to Access to Justice and Effective Remedies
August 2024. We responded to the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s consultation on a proposed new General Comment. Children access justice and effective remedies through a wide range
Education (Scotland) Bill
August 2024. We provided evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee at the Scottish Parliament, ahead of their consideration of this Bill. Background During the Covid pandemic, our
Protecting children from harms online
July 2024. We responded to OFCOM’s consultation on draft Codes of Practice for search and peer to peer services, as part of the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023.
Response to Consultation on the Housing (Scotland) Bill
In May 2024 we responded to the consultation on the Housing (Scotland) Bill – in our response we highlighted our concerns for children and young people living in poverty especially those facing housing issues and homelessness
Proposed National Outcomes
We responded to the Scottish Parliament Finance and Public Administration Commitee’s call for evidence on the Scottish Government’s proposed National Outcomes, which will form part of the National Performance Framework.
Annual Report 2023-24
Our 2023/2024 Annual Report, covering a big year for children’s human rights in Scotland. We also have a report for younger people and an Easy Read version.
Our Plan 2024-28
Engaging the voices of children and young people is at the core of our mission for the next four years. Introducing ‘Your Rights, Our Plan,’ a comprehensive resource pack designed to empower adults in guiding children and young people through vital discussions about our work. Packed with videos, PowerPoints, and a survey, this resource facilitates conversations around six key questions, shaping the roadmap for Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean’s Strategic Plan.
Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 2 Briefing
We provided members of the Education Children and Young People with a briefing ahead of their consideration of amendments to this bill at Stage 2.
Response to Scottish Government consultation on the provisions of the Education Bill.
The office of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland has been working with young people for some time to understand their views and concerns surrounding exams and qualifications, and their broader education experience. It is clear there needs to be a deeper culture change across the entire education system. The creation of new national agencies must be the catalyst for system change, far more than rebranding, they must deliver enhanced support and rights-based leadership if they are to improve outcomes for children and young people. To improve upon the existing system, ongoing views of young people must be more meaningfully incorporated, to shape a system which is more responsive to their changing needs.
Joint Letter: Statutory Framework on Restraint and Seclusion
We have joined together with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, the Mental Welfare Commission, and the Promise Scotland, to call for a holistic, human rights based statutory guidance on restraint. This must be based on a consistent legal framework that applies to all situations where children are in the care of the State, including schools, residential and secure care, and mental health provision.
Additional Support for Learning in Scotland
Submission to Scottish Parliament Education, Children and Young People Committee December 2023 Key points: Implementation of the presumption of mainstreaming The presumption of mainstreaming which was introduced in s15 of
Your Rights, Our Plan
Engaging the voices of children and young people is at the core of our mission for the next four years. Introducing ‘Your Rights, Our Plan,’ a comprehensive resource pack designed to empower adults in guiding children and young people through vital discussions about our work. Packed with videos, PowerPoints, and a survey, this resource facilitates conversations around six key questions, shaping the roadmap for Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean’s Strategic Plan.
Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill – Supplementary evidence
We submitted supplementary evidence to the Education, Children & Young People Committee in October 2023. This evidence supplements our previous written evidence to the Education, Children & Young People Committee
Proposed Restraint and Seclusion (Prevention in Schools) (Scotland) Bill
We have responded to Daniel Johnson MSP’s bill consultation. Our response draws on our previous work, including our investigation into restraint and seclusion in schools No Safe Place, and emphasises
What does the UNCRC say?
The UNCRC explains the rights every child has. Some of these rights are especially important for education.
Use the cards below to learn more about the rights that help children and young people learn, be included, be listened to, and get the support they need.
Article 2 – All children have these rights no matter what their differences are
The UNCRC applies to all under 18s, with no exceptions. Governments should make sure that every child has equal access to their rights. Governments should make sure that children are protected against discrimination.
Article 3 – Adults must do what’s best for me.
When adults make decisions, they should think how they affect children and do what is best for them.
Article 4 – Governments must make sure that children’s rights are protected.
Governments must make sure that children’s rights are protected. Governments must make sure other people respect children’s rights.
Article 6 – Children have the right to life.
Children have the right to life. Governments should make sure that children develop and grow healthily and should protect them from things which could hurt them.
Article 12 – I have the right to be listened to and taken seriously.
When adults are making decisions that affect children they should ask them what they think. Adults should take account of children’s views when making the decision. Children should be supported to give their views in a way that is best for them.
Article 13 – I have the right to find out and share information.
Governments should help children get the information they need, and make sure that information they access via the internet or other media is accurate. Governments should let children access and share information, unless it is damaging to them or someone else. Governments shouldn’t stop children from saying what they think.
Article 17 – Children should be able to access information they can understand.
Children should be able to access information they can understand on TV, radio, in books and newspapers and on the internet. Governments should make sure children are protected from things that could harm them.
Article 23 – If I have a disability, I have the right to special care and education.
Disabled children should be supported to reach their full potential. They should be provided with activities with others so that they can be an active participant in their own community. Governments should make sure disabled children receive an education, health care and opportunities to relax, play and do other activities.
Article 24 – I have the right to be as healthy as possible.
Governments should make sure children can get good quality health care. Governments should make sure children have nutritious food and a clean environment so they can stay healthy.
Article 28 – I have the right to an education.
Governments should make sure children can get an education without it costing their family money. Schools should respect my dignity. Children should be able to stay in secondary education as long as they want.
Article 29 – I have the right to an education which develops my personality, talents and abilities.
Education should develop children’s respect for other people’s human rights. Education should develop children’s respect for the environment. Children should learn about their own culture and other cultures.
Article 30 – I have a right to speak my own language and to follow my family’s way of life.
Governments should make sure children can learn the language, religion, and culture of their family if it is different from those of most people in the country where they live.
Article 31- I have a right to rest, relax and play.
Adults should make sure children have the chance to play and relax in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment. Governments should make sure children can be part of cultural and artistic activities. When decisions are made about activities in the community, adults should include children in planning these
Article 42 – Everyone should know about children’s rights.
Governments should make sure that adults and children know about the UNCRC. They should make sure they do this in an appropriate and active way.