Tag: Children and Families

NSPCC helpline referrals about parental substance misuse DOUBLE in Scotland

Referrals about parents’ use of drugs and alcohol by the NSPCC helpline to Scottish agencies have more than DOUBLED since the start of the pandemic.

New data reveals that the average monthly number of referrals concerning this issue increased from 26 during the first three months of last year to 63 between April 1 and January 31, 2021. Over the 10-month period there was a total of 626 referrals made in Scotland.

Referrals are made to external agencies such as the police and local authorities when concerns reported to the helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.

The number of people from across the UK calling the NSPCC helpline with concerns about parents’ use of drugs and alcohol has increased by 66% since the start of the pandemic.1

Parental substance misuse is the misuse of drugs and/or alcohol by a parent or carer. This includes adults who consume harmful amounts of alcohol, are dependent on alcohol, use prescription drugs excessively or are using illegal drugs, any of which impacts their ability to care for a child.

Living in a household where a parent or carer misuses substances does not necessarily mean a child will experience abuse, but it can make it more difficult for parents to provide safe and consistent care and this can lead to abuse or neglect. It can also have a serious impact on children’s emotional well-being.

Due to the pandemic, children are much more immersed in the problems they are facing at home. Schools have stayed open for vulnerable children and those of key workers but many remain at home meaning there is no escape for those living with parental substance misuse.

As numbers of contacts to the helpline continue to rise, it is vital that local substance misuse services are accessible during the pandemic. Last month, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new investment into improving and increasing services for people affected by drug addiction in the country.

It is crucial that these and alcohol addiction services take a ‘whole family approach’, recognising the impact of substance misuse on children and the need to support adults as parents.

The NSPCC service centre in Glasgow runs a programme called Parents under Pressure TM, which supports parents and carers with substance misuse or mental health difficulties. The programme2 provides advice to parents on how to develop good relationships with their children and deal with challenging behaviour, as well as their own emotions.

Laura* was referred to the programme in Glasgow by her health visitor almost two years ago. Now in her 30s, Laura* began drinking regularly as a teenager in a bid to help her cope with bullying at school and domestic and substance abuse at home.

When she was 18 years old, she was sexually assaulted by a stranger in the street. She then went on to have a series of abusive relationships and had three children. She suffered with post-natal depression and was drinking heavily. Her three children were removed from her care, when the youngest was just a baby. It was following the birth of her fourth child that she finally received the help and support she needed to recover from her addiction to alcohol. She has now been sober for over 18 months.

Speaking about her experience, Laura* said: “When drink has got hold of you, you don’t feel like anything is worth it. Addiction makes you remain in the same place, while everything else moves on, and you end up isolated and alone. At the time, I thought the addiction just affected me but it doesn’t, it affects everyone around you, especially your children because they rely on you for everything.

“I think the Parents under Pressure programme is so good, as it makes you realise that at the centre of many addictions there is a child, who is suffering.  My recovery has not been easy; I have had to delve into boxes, which have been locked in my head for many years. I don’t bottle things up anymore and I feel free; like I can breathe again. If I hadn’t had this help, I wouldn’t be here today. I would be dead or in jail and I would have left my children without a mother.”

Some of the signs to look out for that show families might be struggling with parental substance misuse during the lockdown and need support include:

  • parents may be visually under the influence of alcohol or drugs over video chat or in public
  • a change in the parent’s behaviour as they may have difficulty controlling their emotions or act irrationally or unpredictably
  • a child may become withdrawn or develop behavioural, emotional or mental health problems
  • aggressive or repeated shouting at home
  • children may have taken on the responsibility of caring for their parents or siblings
  • children showing signs of neglect, such as regularly looking dirty or being unsupervised

Kam Thandi, head of NSPCC helpline, explained: “Parental substance misuse can have a seriously detrimental impact on the whole family. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have created a perfect storm for families affected by this problem.

“At the NSPCC helpline we’ve not only seen a rise in contacts and referrals but we’re also seeing families who weren’t previously known to children’s services requiring help and support for substance misuse.

“The pressures on families at the moment are unprecedented and it is no surprise that our helpline is hearing that parents and carers are struggling with substance misuse. To keep our children safe it’s vital that those who are relying on drugs and alcohol, to the extent that the care of their children is being compromised, must seek help.

“The Scottish Government must also invest more in local services. Our frontline practitioners have told us that many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services which will help them recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

The NSPCC’s concerns are being backed by Adfam, a charity which provides support to families affected by drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.

Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive, Adfam, said: “We are seeing that the usual daily challenges associated with a parent or family member’s alcohol or drug problem – fear, domestic abuse, isolation, loneliness, and mental stress – are being exacerbated by the lockdown measures.

“A staggering 88% of the families that we surveyed in our ‘Families in Lockdown’ survey told us that the first lockdown negatively impacted on their family member’s alcohol, drug or gambling problem. A third of families experienced an increase in verbal abuse from their family member and 13% feel more concerned than usual for their safety.

“As drug and alcohol misuse is so stigmatised, we know that many young people are scared to seek support, and for many children affected by parental substance use, the lockdown impedes them from the safety of the school environment. We know that with the right kind of support, children and young people can navigate this challenging time. We urge families not to wait until breaking point.”

The NSPCC is calling on anyone who is concerned a child is at risk due to parental substance misuse to contact the helpline. Trained professionals can offer advice to make sure everyone in the family receives the support they need – both parents and children.

If anyone is concerned about their own drug or alcohol intake and that it is affecting their family, support can be accessed by contacting the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit www.Adfam.org.uk to find your nearest online support group.

Benefits Boost: New Scottish Child Payment starts today

More than 77,000 Scottish Child Payment applications have been received since Social Security Scotland started taking applications on 9 November. The new benefit, which is unique to Scotland, will give qualifying parents and carers £40 every four weeks for each child under six.

The benefit starts today, meaning that Social Security Scotland is now able to do final eligibility checks and start issuing decisions. The first decisions and payments will arrive from later this month.

Payments for those who applied today or earlier will be backdated. Parents and carers have not yet applied and have a child under six are encouraged to apply today to get the maximum amount of money they are entitled to.

People who apply after today will have their payment calculated from the day that they apply.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This is a fantastic response to our new payment. Today marks the day that parents and carers will become eligible for Scottish Child Payment.

“We’ve had a great response and this is a very large number of applications. It will take time to work through these applications and I’d like to ask families for their patience while we work as quickly as we can to process these.

“The Scottish Child Payment is the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK. Announced in late June 2019 the new payment has been achieved at great speed.

“In 2021-22 we will invest £3.6 billion in social security payments supporting carers, young people, and low income families  including £68 million for this new payment. Significantly more families are now relying on benefits due to the pandemic – some perhaps for the first time. Scottish Child Payment will help lift children in Scotland out of poverty.

“We are proactively promoting this payment and we have written to everyone on the Universal Credit and HMRC tax credit databases who may be eligible to invite them to apply. .

“Covid-19 restrictions continue to put additional pressure on parents and carers and I recognise how busy families are. But I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who hasn’t yet applied, to take ten minutes to get their application in – it’s vital that people get the money they are entitled to.”

Scottish Child Payment has been introduced ahead of schedule for children under six by building on the existing infrastructure for Best Start Grant payments. The payment is planned to be fully rolled out to children under the age of 16 by the end of 2022. This is subject to data on qualifying benefits being received from the DWP to enable Social Security Scotland to make top-up payments.

Scottish eco toy company launches new Facebook community

YummiCommunity to support parents through lockdown

Scottish eco-friendly toy company, Yummikeys, has launched an online Facebook community to help parents across the UK virtually unite during the pandemic and beyond.

YummiCommunity, an all-inclusive hub which will allow users to share stories, tips, tricks and woes, aims to make times a little less lonely during the third country-wide lockdown.

Hot-button topics related to parenthood, tips for getting through lockdown and activities to keep children occupied at home, will be mixed with light-hearted parenting humour, hubs where you can share your views, questions and worries, as well as the most up to date Yummikeys news and launches.

With a combined social following of almost 30,000 and with the majority of these being Facebook followers, Yummikeys founder Elspeth Fawcett, decided this was the best way to connect parents like her, who may feel they need a little extra support:

“The YummiCommunity is basically a parent and baby club, but virtual, allowing you to ask for advice, share your stories and have your mini parenting breakdowns (surprise, we all have them), in an environment that is all inclusive and completely non-judgemental.

“On a daily basis I get the loveliest messages, emails and comments saying how a set of Yummikeys has cooled sore gums, or a YummiNecklace has transformed feeding time, but I also have people saying they wish they had known about us, as well as the tips and tricks they get from our current socials, sooner.

“he idea of the YummiCommunity has been in my mind for a while, but when we went into lockdown 3, I knew I needed to make it happen. I want this platform to be a resource for new and seasoned parents and carers alike, as well as somewhere to ‘go’ when you need a little extra guidance.”

Lockdown has seen Yummikeys’ best sales months to date, with new parents eager to help sooth babies during a time where support from family and friends is not readily available. The YummiCommunity aims to offer additional encouragement to those parents as well. 

The brand’s best-selling Yummikeys, Yummirings and YummiNecklace were joined in 2020 by the East-Lothian company’s new Ultrasound Necklace – a personalised piece of jewellery for mums that sees their ultrasound etched into a disc.

Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/363245597416376/

Teach children about love and friendships on Valentine’s Day

Why Valentine’s Day isn’t just for grown-ups

Former primary school teacher Oli Ryan of education resources experts PlanBee says that while adults tend to focus on romantic expressions of love, February 14 is an ideal opportunity to show children how to demonstrate compassionate love and kindness to friends and family:

What is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is a saint’s day in the Christian calendar when the martyrdom of a Saint Valentine is celebrated; Saint Valentine was buried on February 14.

Who was St Valentine?

It depends who you ask, and which St Valentine you’re talking about. There are 11 saints named Valentine according to the Roman Catholic Church. Most commentators agree, however, that Valentine’s Day celebrates Saint Valentine of Rome, a priest who ministered to persecuted Christians living in the Roman Empire.

DID YOU KNOW …

         Britons are predicted to spend more than £900m on Valentine’s Day in 2021 (statista.com)

         Men tend to spend more than women on Valentine’s Day (statista.com)

         Unsurprisingly, most lovers intend to celebrate at home this year – getting a takeaway or cooking a meal, and watching a movie together (finder.com)

         Many people express their love for one another publicly on social media

Five Valentine’s Day traditions around the world

  1. In Wales, it’s traditional to give your loved one a hand-carved wooden ‘love spoon’!
  2. In Finland and Estonia, 14th February is better known as the ‘Day of Friends’. Rather than expressing romantic love, friends show their affection for one another by exchanging gifts or meeting up to spend time together.
  3. In Japan, women give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day.
  4. Italians and Brazilians celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way: typically, music festivals and street parties are held
  5. Slovenia has so much love to give that it celebrates twice! March 12 is Saint Gregory’s Day, the Slovenian lover’s day. Children and adults make little lights and float them on lakes and rivers, marking the start of spring.

How was Valentine’s Day celebrated in the UK in the past?

In the UK, it was once more typical to send a card or a love note anonymously, perhaps leaving a clue about yourself for your love interest to work out.

In Scotland, it was popular to play a parlour game where single men would put their name into a hat. An equal number of single women would take turns drawing a name. The man who they picked would then accompany the woman for the rest of the day.

In England, women used to write the names of potential lovers on little pieces of paper, then roll them together inside a ball of clay. They would then drop the clay ball into the water. Whichever name rose to the surface first would be their one true love.

How to teach children about love and kindness on Valentine’s Day

At PlanBee, we think Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to teach children not only about why it’s important to express love for a partner but also how to strengthen friendships – just like the Finnish and Slovenians.

As well as sharing these fascinating facts about the day, you could arrange an activity for your child to do with a friend.

There are some lovely lockdown-friendly activities you could arrange for your children, to help foster their friendships at a time when it’s difficult for them to meet up.

Five great activities for fostering children’s friendships

1. Arrange a treasure hunt with another family

This is a lovely activity which your child will love to plan and personalise for a good friend. Place secret notes, painted pebbles, Christmas decorations or even make ‘nature art‘ along a short walking route. Write out some clues, and post it through your friend’s door. Next week, invite them to do the same for you and your family. Don’t forget to pick everything up afterwards.

2. Pen pals

Children love to share things with their friends, including pictures, poems and stories they’ve written themselves. Suggest the idea to your child. Hopefully, it will inspire them to write something nice to a friend, which you can either post in the mail or hand-deliver to their letterbox.

3. Book swaps

Arrange a book swap for your child and one or more of their friends. They can select one or two of their favourite books to swap for a while. It will give them something to talk about with their friends on Zoom! You could even provide some blank bookmarks on which they can write a little review of the book for their friend to read.

4. Video games

It’s easy to think of playing video games as a solitary activity, but these days it’s more often a social experience. With your child, choose a collaborative—rather than a competitive—game they could play online with a close friend (we like Splatoon and Overcooked – both good examples of child-friendly, cooperative gaming which your children will also enjoy playing with you.) Remember to plug in a headset so they can talk to each other.

5. Parlour games

With classes conducted over Zoom, children are pretty much over video meetings. Giving them a bit of structure will make virtual playdates much more enjoyable. Talk to them about how to play simple parlour games like Charades or Animal, Vegetable, Mineral – or help them set up their own version of ‘Kim’s Game’ to challenge their friends.

With a bit of imagination, there are all sorts of traditional parlour games which can be played over a video call.

Download these resources to help your child develop kindness and friendship here.

Children’s charity survey reveals emotional wellbeing is the priority when children return to school

  • Responding to a national survey by charity Children 1st, parents and carers say there should be a focus on children’s emotional wellbeing when they return to the classroom
  • Parents and carers also call for more support for children on returning to routines, catching up on lost learning and on rebuilding friendships
  • Chief Executive Mary Glasgow says the voices of parents, carers and children should be at the centre of plans on how best to support children when they return to school

Scottish parents and carers believe their child’s emotional wellbeing should be at the top of the curriculum when the schools re-open, according to a national survey run by charity Children 1st. Parents and carers said they wanted their children to have time to reconnect with their friends, to play and have fun.

The national survey, conducted over social media, found that most parents and carers think a carefully managed transition and emotional support will be key to helping their children cope with a return to the classroom. This is in line with what the charity is hearing from Children 1st Parentline and the parents and carers it works with through its community services.

Over half of parents and carers (57.3%) said they would like schools to reopen with a focus on considering children’s emotional needs as well as their academic ones. Parents and carers believe that supporting the emotional wellbeing of their children is as important as learning, according to the 1515 parents and carers from across Scotland who responded.

Those responding to the charity’s survey also said that the biggest challenges they have faced during lockdown are around balancing their work and children’s needs, and helping their children maintain relationships with friends and family. Returning to routines was the biggest concern about schools reopening, with over 60% of parents and carers citing it as a worry (see tables below for more details).

It comes after calls were made this week for Scottish school days to be extended and school holidays to reduce.

But Mary Glasgow, the charity’s Chief Executive, is calling on the Scottish Government and the Scottish education sector to listen to families by putting children and young people’s emotional and social wellbeing at the heart of Covid recovery, warning that children can’t learn effectively if they don’t feel emotionally safe and secure. 

Children 1st Chief Executive, Mary Glasgow.

She said: “With all the discussion of longer school days, less holidays and general focus on formal learning as opposed to the wider social and emotional needs of children, it felt like the voices of families and children were being lost in the debate.

“That’s why we directly asked families what they would need to recover from the pandemic so they can cope with a return to school – and they have told us that many children will need support with their emotional wellbeing when they return to school.

“As we move closer to schools fully reopening, I urge the Scottish Government and the Scottish Education sector to listen to the voices of these families who are telling us that children’s wellbeing and self-confidence must be at the heart of the school’s response to Covid recovery.”

“We know that this year has been hard for all of us, but with the right support in place parents and carers are telling us that children can overcome any negative effects of lockdown.”

One respondent to the survey said: “I want my children to feel safe and wellbeing has to be priority. One whole academic year has been lost from education, but I feel a slow approach to learning should be made, not a rush to catch up.”

Another told us “Let them have time to play, forge friendships and space to emotionally recover from the pandemic.”

Another parent / carer told Children 1st “We need to focus on wellbeing. The impact all of this uncertainty has had on children is immense, even if they aren’t necessarily outwardly upset.

“Catching up on missed education is so important but we need to recognise the level of disruption they have all been through and support them positively to transition back into yet another change of routine.”

Children’s 1st Parentline offers families free emotional, practical and financial support on 08000 28 22 33 or online at www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/

Greenpeace launches Edinburgh Art and Photography Competition

Edinburgh Pupils Celebrate Low Traffic Initiatives

We are asking Edinburgh pupils from 5 to 18 years to take part in our local Greenpeace competition to show Edinburgh councillors how much they love green accessible spaces and what they think the future of active travel should look like.

The Greenpeace Art and Photography Competition runs until 13th February. Posters and photographs should be emailed to greenpeace-edinburgh@live.co.uk.

This competition gives younger generations the chance to have their voices heard and celebrate what they like about the changes made so far.

Categories are age appropriate and entries will be judged by Councillors on the Transport and Environment Committee alongside local artists and representatives from cycling and wheeling organisations in Edinburgh.  The winning pictures will be used in future Greenpeace campaigns to highlight local transport improvements.

Full details are available on the Edinburgh Greenpeace Facebook events page at https://tinyurl.com/y35oyzls.

When – now until 13/02/2021 – pictures can be submitted until February 13th, 8pm

Where – Online – Posters and photographs should be emailed to greenpeace-edinburgh@live.co.uk

Why – Transport is the UK’s single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Greenpeace Edinburgh Local Group is calling on the local council and the Government to invest more money into walking, cycling and green public transport, rather than building new roads. 

The pandemic has helped us to appreciate our city with less cars on the streets and the corresponding reduction in noise, air pollution, or danger to cyclists and pedestrians. We want children to engage with this important topic as it will shape their future living spaces. 

During February half-term, we are hosting an art competition to celebrate our existing low traffic neighbourhoods, cycling paths and other active travel infrastructure. Pupils are asked to submit their ideas, solutions, or simply their favourite active-travel locations as a photo or in form of a poster.

Get in touch – greenpeace-edinburgh@live.co.uk

More information is available on the Edinburgh Greenpeace Facebook events page at https://tinyurl.com/y35oyzls

Scottish Ensemble embrace digital, young people and mental wellbeing with new appointments

Scottish Ensemble starts 2021 as it means to go on with the appointment of three new board members by chair Samantha Barber.

Scotland’s award-winning ensemble has been treating audiences both old and new to an array of digital content and collaborations since the global pandemic began and the appointment of three new board members carries their commitment to reaching new audiences and promoting mental wellbeing well into the future.

Together, the new appointments draw on expertise from the fields of digital/ technology, mental health, young people, tackling social disadvantage, strategy and governance and will help the ensemble continue to innovate at a time of ongoing uncertainty and change.

James McAulay, the CEO & Co-Founder of Encore – one of the world’s largest online booking platforms helping musicians earn money playing at events, concerts, weddings and recording sessions – joined the board in December 2020, as its youngest member to date.

Before starting Encore, James studied the cello at the Music School of Douglas Academy in Glasgow and led the NYOS cello section at their BBC Proms performance with Nicola Benedetti in 2012. James brings extensive digital expertise and a passion for strings and composition to the table.

Morag Burnett began her career in arts management and has since worked with international NGOs and foundations for over 20 years in Honduras, the Dominican Republic, New York, London, Mexico City and most recently Tbilisi, Georgia.

Morag is deputy chair of the innovative, London-based Lankelly Chase foundation, working to change systems that perpetuate disadvantage and she hopes to bring this experience into her new role.

Amy Woodhouse, currently Head of Policy, Projects and Participation for Children in Scotland, the national network organisation improving children’s lives, has a particular interest in how music, and the arts more widely, can be used to promote mental health and wellbeing and will join the board in March 2021.

She brings an understanding of mental health improvement and participatory approaches to the board.

Chair of Scottish Ensemble, Samantha Barber said: “We are truly delighted to welcome Amy, Morag and James to the Scottish Ensemble board. Together they bring skills and experience that we know to be of utmost importance as we enter 2021.

“These new appointments and all that they represent in terms of knowledge and know-how will enable us to remain resilient and continue innovating in the way for which we have become known. I know that all of my colleagues on the board and across the organisation will join me in wishing them a warm welcome; we look forward to their input and to exploring new ideas and perspectives over the coming year.”

In addition to the new board members, SE also announce that after over 14 years in various roles throughout the organisation, Lesley Paterson retires in 2021 having completed her full term as a board member.

And finally, Chief Executive Jenny Jamison will be heading off on maternity leave in March and William Norris of William Norris Arts Management will be stepping into her role, supported by the wider SE team.

Having previously held the post, among others, of Managing Director for Southbank Sinfonia and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra (Toronto) William’s past work has explored innovative concert formats and looked at ways to reach new audiences and SE are delighted to welcome him to the team.

‘Facing real challenges’ – Young artist reflects on pandemic

An image representing young people overcoming challenges during the Covid-19 crisis has been released by Barnardo’s to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.

With the theme of this year’s week (February 1 to February 7) being ‘Express Yourself’ the UK’s leading children’s charity asked the artist to explain what inspired the picture.

Artist Louise, who is supported by Barnardo’s, said: “In the image, I chose the cogs to represent the idea that young people are facing many invisible challenges and feelings which I felt were important to acknowledge. 

“The blue light in the image represents that despite all these challenges, here was a generation that had come together in all sorts of different ways whether that was working for the NHS or doing a neighbour’s shopping. 

“Yes, young people are facing some real challenges at the moment but we are making a difference despite it all which felt powerful to me and was what I wanted to convey through my image.”

The picture was also used as the front cover of a Barnardo’s report entitled In Our Own Words, where young people had their say about how the pandemic has affected them.

Young people who helped produce the report said the pandemic has felt like a lifetime, and Barnardo’s is concerned the effects will last a real lifetime if steps are not taken to help children.

It is holding Government to account and ensuring the voice of the child is not forgotten in its response to the pandemic.

But cannot do it alone and needs the support of the public to help children and young people who are feeling lonely, anxious about the future, disconnected from their peers, with some living in unsafe home environments away from the protective gaze of their teachers and school staff. 

This is why the charity is relaunching an urgent Coronavirus Crisis Appeal. It knows that with the right support, children can recover from the trauma resulting from the pandemic. 

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “With spring still a long way off, the country in another lockdown and the end of the pandemic still uncertain, children and young people are facing a very difficult time.

“Just as Louise expresses so brilliantly in her picture, young people are facing many invisible challenges, but they don’t have to face them alone.

“Barnardo’s is always here for those who need us, and with your support we can reach  even more children and young people struggling during the pandemic and beyond. If you are in a position to donate, then please do consider supporting our Crisis Appeal.”

Go to www.barnardos.org.uk/coronavirus-crisis-appeal for more information.

‘Stark Gaps’ in educational attainment risk being compounded by Covid, warns Poverty Alliance report

Anti-poverty campaigners have called for increased action from the Scottish Government to tackle the educational attainment gap, after new analysis (which can be read in full here) found stark gaps in attainment between young people from Scotland’s least and most deprived areas.

The analysis, undertaken by the Poverty Alliance on behalf of The Robertson Trust, examined the evidence on the links between poverty, education and work pathways for young people in Scotland and across the UK.

It found evidence that the poverty-attainment gap – already identified by the Scottish Government as a key priority – shows signs of increasing and risks being further compounded by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The review reveals that as of 2018-19:

  • Infants living in deprived areas, aged 27-30 months, are 16% more likely to display development concerns
  • Just over 2 in 5 young people living in the most deprived areas achieve one or more Higher when leaving school (43.5%) compared to almost 4 in 5 young people living in the least deprived areas (79.3%)
  • Inequalities continue into post-16 education and work pathways with one in ten school leavers living in the most deprived areas in Scotland unemployed nine months after the end of the school year, compared to 2.6% of young people in the least deprived areas.

Despite a range of policies, strategies and initiatives having reformed the Scottish educational and employment landscape over the last six years, most notably the expansion of early learning and childcare and the Scottish Attainment Challenge, the review highlighted Covid-19’s disproportionate impact on single parents and low-income households.

Emerging evidence has also shown the negative impacts of the pandemic on the educational outcomes for children and young people from deprived areas due to the digital divide and lack of access to educational related resources.

Income inadequacy prevents children from low-income households being able to fully participate in education and initiatives seeking to reduce the attainment gap should put reducing financial barriers at the centre.

The review also highlights the importance of initiatives like one-to-one tutoring, mentoring and careers education targeted at young people living in more deprived areas; initiatives that, the review concludes, are currently lacking in Scotland.

Poverty Alliance Director, Peter Kelly, commented: “Scotland is a country that believes that every child should have every chance. However this review makes clear that too many of our young people are seeing their life chances restricted by poverty. The educational attainment gap is stark in Scotland, and is an injustice that we cannot allow to continue.

“We know that the pandemic is compounding the gap. But we also know the action that we have to take to loosen the grip of poverty on the lives of families across Scotland, and to ensure that every young person in Scotland has access to the same opportunities.

“That means using every lever at our disposal to boost family incomes, as well as increasing support for interventions like one-to-one tutoring and mentoring for young people from low-income backgrounds.”

Chief Executive of the Robertson Trust, Jim McCormick, added: “At The Robertson Trust, we are keen to understand how best we can maximise the contribution of education and fair work in reducing poverty.

“This report not only highlights the stark differences in educational experiences that children and young people from different backgrounds face across Scotland but also where some of the evidence gaps currently exist when it comes to what works and why.

“Although many of the findings will be familiar to those working tirelessly to narrow the attainment gap, this analysis shines a bright light on the disproportionate impact Covid-19 has had on those already most affected. This is particularly concerning given the clear link between childhood disadvantage, low educational attainment and future poverty.

“We will use the findings to help us shape our own role as an independent funder in this area and it is our hope that the review will stimulate renewed commitment to act across Scotland.”

An activity for every day during Children’s Mental Health Week

With children and young people’s mental health so badly effected by lockdown and prolonged absence from school, this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week has a particular resonance. 

Former primary school teacher Laura Steele of education experts PlanBee has gathered a week’s worth of fantastic FREE resources in one downloadable pack.

Parents can use them to help their children explore their mental health and give them the tools to express their thoughts and feelings.

Monday: dealing with physical sensations

Warm Fuzzies and Cold Pricklies Posters 

These posters aim to help your child understand some of the physical sensations that accompany different feelings. Explore and discuss the vocabulary on each poster. You could ask children: Do you know what this word means? Have you ever felt like this? What made you feel this way? Could you add any more words to either of the posters?

Older children may find the Synonym Booklet of Emotions useful to expand their vocabulary and help them to better express themselves.

Tuesday: an emoji that fits your mood

Printable Emojis Emotion Faces Cards

Use these 16 feelings and emotions cards to develop discussion around a range of different feelings, using the questions below each emoji. If your children cannot think of an example, you could describe and explain a time when you felt this way. They could also be asked whether each of the cards represent a ‘warm fuzzy’ or a ‘cold prickly’ feeling, picking up on yesterday’s discussions.

You could then challenge your child to use the Design your own Emotion Emojis sheet to create their own versions. Encourage them to think about their personal experience of each emotion, and think carefully about the shape, colour, size and facial expression they choose.

Wednesday: that nagging feeling

Worry Monster Activity Sheets

Today’s resource focuses on a specific feeling: worry, or anxiety. Tell your child that everyone experiences this feeling sometimes, and more often than not, acknowledging and talking about the reasons why you are worried or anxious can help you to feel better. These Worry Monster Activity Sheets can help your children to voice, and then deal with, any anxieties they may have. 

Thursday: take a deep breath

Calming Techniques for Kids Posters

Anger and frustration can be difficult emotions for anyone to deal with, not least children. These posters offer a range of techniques that can be used almost anywhere, in any situation. The first four posters (The Calm Down Cake, The Slow Down Star, The Slow Down Square and the Helping Hand) direct children to focus on their breathing, using an image to help them do this. Discuss and practise the techniques together, first with and then without the posters in front of them, so children realise that these strategies can be successful using only their imagination if needed. 

The final poster in the pack (5…4…3…2…1), may be more suitable for older children. They are directed to use all of their senses to focus and calm the mind. They can do this for the actual environment they are in, or an imagined one, such as a park, a beach or a forest.

Friday: let’s meditate

Meditation for Kids Guide Sheet

The mental benefits of meditation are now widely recognised – for children as well as adults. Research has shown that short, regular meditation sessions can have a positive effect on children’s attention, focus, self-awareness, and their management of thoughts and feelings. This Guide Sheet is a simple, easy introduction to meditation, with step-by-step instructions to follow. Try a short session with your child. Ask them how they feel afterwards. You could try to add a session like this into your daily routine, and see what effect it has over time on your child’s emotional well-being.

Saturday: developing a growth mindset

Fixed vs Growth Mindset Poster

A person with a fixed mindset feels that they have no control over their abilities, or problems they may face. But someone with a growth mindset knows that they can improve their abilities and overcome difficulties if they persevere and are patient with themselves. Discuss these differences with your child, and look at the poster for examples of each type of mindset. What type of mindset does your child think they have, and why? Why might it be better to have a growth mindset? 

Children could use the blank poster provided to write their own personal examples of statements they made when they felt they had a fixed mindset, and how they could turn this around into a growth mindset statement.

Sunday: looking on the bright side

What are you Thankful For? Discussion Cards

End the week on a positive note with this activity, where children are encouraged to think about all the different aspects of their life that they are thankful for. A blank template is included for children to record these thoughts.

The I am Lucky Because… activity sheet may be more suitable for younger children, where they are encouraged to think about and complete the sentences, ‘I am lucky because I can…’, ‘I am lucky because I am’… and ‘I am lucky because I have…’.

You can download PlanBee’s Children’s Mental Health Week Activity Pack, which includes all of the resources mentioned above, for FREE!