During the Easter holidays we will be running a breakfast club for children and families 
Monday – Saturday 10:15am – 12:15pm
We will be CLOSED on Good Friday and Easter Monday so the breakfast club will be starting from the 7th April and will run until the 20th April 
Free cereal, cereal bars and refreshments provided.
The NSPCC is urging tech companies to embed technology on children’s phones that blocks nude images from being created, shared or viewed – and for the UK Government to take further action if they fail to.
This comes as the charity reveals child sexual abuse image crimes logged by Police Scotland reached record levels last year, with more than 828 offences in 2024/25 -11% higher than the previous year.
Data obtained by the NSPCC from police forces across the UK, revealed that between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 there were 36,829 recorded offences of indecent and prohibited images of children across the UK.
Across the 42 forces that provided data for both years, the number of offences increased by 9%.
Moreover, of the 10,811 crimes where law enforcement1 recorded the platform used by perpetrators, 43% took place on Snapchat alone – a total of 4,615.
Overall, Meta platforms still accounted for almost a quarter of all offences (24%), with 8% on Instagram, 7% on WhatsApp, 5% on Facebook and 4% on Messenger. However, the figures in relation to these platforms only paint part of the picture, as end-to-end-encryption (E2EE) means the scale of abuse children are experiencing online is hidden – preventing detection and leading to under-reporting on these platforms.
Without adequate safety features designed to keep children safe online across all platforms, many young people are exposed to the risk of grooming, extortion, online child sexual abuse and having intimate images shared – all of which can have a devastating impact on a child’s life, sometimes well into adulthood.
One 17-year-old boy who contacted Childline* said, “I shared a nude online and it was leaked, so everyone at school saw it. I was in a really bad way, so I moved schools. The nude pictures still come up as random people message me and blackmail me with them. I’m worried about my new friends seeing them and how the leaked nudes will impact my career in the future.”
The UK Government committed in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy to work with tech companies to stop children in the UK from taking or sharing nude images. This new data makes it clear that tech companies are failing to prioritise young people’s safety across their platforms.
The NSPCC believes that tech companies must act now and embed effective protections for children. They argue that using existing technologies on children’s phones that blocks illegal images in real time would help prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.
If companies do not act, the UK Government must make these safeguards mandatory to ensure every child is protected from this abuse online.
This is one of the three recommendations the charity has pushed the Government to implement to make children safe – to go further in protecting children online than a social media ban alone.
Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “Children across the UK are being completely failed by tech companies that should be protecting them online. We cannot keep letting them off the hook when they can do more to prevent this from happening in the first place.
“Behind every one of these offences is a child who has been groomed, abused and manipulated. They are left to carry the trauma, whilst tech companies continue to profit handsomely.
“Technology already exists that could be deployed today to stop children from taking, sharing or receiving nude images. So, the real question is: what’s stopping them? If they continue to drag their feet, Government must show their might by stepping in and compelling them to act”.
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
Report Remove is available in the UK to anyone under 18 to confidentially report and remove sexual images or videos of themselves from the internet.
This initiative, a collaboration between Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), offers a secure and anonymous way for young people to take control of their online presence and safety.
Supporting families at risk of poverty and improving outcomes for children are at the heart of a funding package totalling more than £7.5 million.
The Scottish Government investment spans three key programmes, each designed to address the root causes of child poverty and give families the tools they need to thrive.
The funding for 2026-27 is:
The package forms part of the Scottish Government’s new Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-31 which aims to support parents to increase their incomes and reduce the burden of everyday costs, on top of existing work, helping to keep an estimated 100,000 children out of relative poverty in 2026-27.
This builds on existing Scottish Government action which has already reduced relative child poverty rates in Scotland to the lowest levels in almost a decade – with rates nine percentage points lower than the UK in 2023-24.
Announcing the investment at Peat Road Medical Practice, in Glasgow, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Tackling child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we want every child to have the best possible start in life.
“That’s why this package of funding is so important. It will enhance and expand three highly impactful programmes which will help families access support, fair work in the NHS, and reduce child poverty.
“This support will allow these three invaluable projects to continue to grow and help even more families across Scotland.”
Dr Elizabeth Bryden, GP at Peat Road Medical Centre, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has extended funding for Whole Family Support through General Practice into 2026/27.
“The project helps to reduce inequalities linked to deprivation and enables children and families to reach their potential.
“Being involved in the Whole Family Support programme has made a significant difference to the families in our practice. Our Family Wellbeing Worker has used their knowledge and experience to connect families with community resources and patients place a great deal of trust in them.”
Dobbies is teaming up with Gabby’s Dollhouse to bring an extra special spring themed experience to families at its Edinburgh store with a free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club on Saturday 4 April, packed with fun and creativity.
Gabby’s Dollhouse is a kid-favourite, cat-tastic show by Dreamworks that follows Gabby and her cat friends in their adventures around her magical dollhouse. Each episode is filled with fun, crafts, baking, music and problem solving.
This April, the Little Seedlings will step into the magical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse for a 60-minute Easter adventure bursting with springtime fun at the Edinburgh store. Joined by Eggy the Easter Kitty Bunny, children will discover the wonders of the season, from learning about baby animals to blooming, colourful flowers, before diving into hands-on activities and a fun filled in-store quest.
The workshop will begin by welcoming Gabby and her kitty friends, before Eggy hops in to sprinkle some Easter magic and share fascinating traditions from around the world. Little Seedlings will then set off on Gabby’s Easter Hunt, inspired by the celebration in Kitty Fairy’s Fairy Tail Garden, before learning about the bright, beautiful blooms that spring brings.
To round off the adventure, every child will create their own adorable kitty or bunny planter, filled with cat grass seeds. A perfect take-home reminder of their magical day.
Dobbies’ Event Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson, said: “We’re delighted to welcome fans of Gabby’s Dollhouse to our April Little Seedlings Club and team up with Dreamworks on a truly special Easter workshop at our Edinburgh store.
“The interactive, hands-on event is a wonderful way for children to celebrate the start of spring and learn more about animals and flowers that come to life at this time of year. We’re looking forward to watching the Little Seedlings enjoy a magical Gabby’s Dollhouse Easter adventure at Dobbies.”
Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club is a free-to-attend workshop that typically takes place on the first Sunday of every month in the Edinburgh store. The workshops are suited for children aged 4-10 and covers a range of seasonal topics set to inspire the next generation of gardening enthusiasts.
For those looking to get involved in Gabby’s Dollhouse Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies, and book a free space this April, visit www.dobbies.com/events.
Clearer access to advice and support, including better information on financial help and allowances are central to a newly-published national ‘vision’ for supporting Kinship Carers who look after children who cannot be cared for by their parents.
The importance of family group decision-making (FGDM) has been underlined in the final ‘Vision for Kinship Care’ that has been unveiled during Kinship Care Week, while Ministers have also lodged proposed amendments to the Children (Care, Care Experience, and Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill to strengthen the role of FGDM.
If agreed by Parliament along with the wider Bill, the amendments would give children and families the legal right to ask for FGDM to be considered as part of agreeing care arrangements for a child or young person where it is in their best interests. Local councils would have a duty to tell families about the option of FGDM during discussions over a child’s care, or during a review of existing kinship arrangements.
Meeting kinship carers at Children First’s offices in Edinburgh, the Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “Helping children to stay in their families where safe to do so is central to our aims to Keep the Promise, and I am hugely grateful to kinship carers who make an incredible difference by providing stable homes for children within their family network.
“The care, energy and commitment shown by Scotland’s kinship community is truly moving, and their input has been vital in shaping our National Vision for Kinship Care.
“When used in the right way, family group decision-making brings families together, helps children to be heard, and allows wider family networks to take part in planning and decision-making. This can help build stronger, more lasting plans, support earlier and more effective action, and reduce the need for things to be escalated.
“The stronger focus on family group decision-making in the final Vision for Kinship Care reflects what carers and their representative organisations have told us. The Children (Care, Care Experience, and Service Planning) Bill, if approved by Parliament, will further strengthen its place as one of a range of early options when considering how a child should be cared for.”
Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “Children First have supported the development of the Vision and worked closely with the incredible kinship carers we support to make sure their experiences shaped it.
“We were pleased the Minister could join us to celebrate Kinship Care Week and to connect with kinship carers. We warmly welcome the Vision and the plans to strengthen provision of family group decision making which are a crucial step towards ensuring all children can grow up safe, loved and connected to their wider family and community.”
One Kinship Carer, Iris*, said: “I have been a kinship carer for my seven-year-old grandson since he was four months old and I very much appreciate the Scottish Government’s attempt to make life better for kinship carers and the children they care for.
“I am very happy my grandson lives with me and, with help from my husband, my aunt, friends, family and neighbours, I am trying to give him the best possible life. But it’s not easy. Being a kinship carer is hard, often lonely, and involves rethinking your life, your career and your future.
“Kinship carers need, and deserve, all the support that can possibly be provided. Financially, practically and emotionally.”
*Name has been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event that raises public awareness of young carers, the challenges they face and the extra support they need to balance their caring responsibilities and ensure they can have a Fair Future.
The day is led by Carers Trust in collaboration with its network of 135 local services that support unpaid carers. Young Carers Action Day is not only about celebrating their incredible contributions, but also about taking action to make sure young carers are given the support they need to thrive.
This year, young carers across Scotland are highlighting how caring impacts their education and calling for practical changes, including a designated Young Carer Lead in every school, college and university, to help ensure their needs are recognised, supported and understood.
Heavy caring responsibilities for young carers
Across the UK it’s estimated that over one million children and young people have caring responsibilities, with thousands in Scotland supporting parents, siblings or other relatives.
A recent UK wide survey by Opinium, published by Carers Trust, highlights the scale of responsibility many young carers hold; from helping relatives with personal care to managing medication and supporting household tasks. These findings mirror what young carers and services tell us every day.
The same research found almost half (44%) of young carers spend around 3 to 4 hours a day on their caring role, severely restricting the time they have for homework. And over one third (36%) told the survey caring had left them tired or worn out at school.
Impact of caring responsibilities on young carers’ education and attainment
Young carers in Scotland consistently tell us that caring has a significant impact on their learning. Many describe struggling to balance schoolwork with caring responsibilities, often feeling tired, stressed or unable to complete homework because of the demands at home.
Education staff, local young carer services and families also report that young carers may arrive late, miss lessons or find it harder to focus in class, not because of a lack of ability or motivation, but because of the pressures they carry.
These experiences show why greater recognition, flexibility and support in education settings are essential. Young carers are determined, capable and ambitious, but they should not have to overcome unnecessary barriers to succeed.
That’s why young carers across Scotland are calling for a Young Carer Lead; a designated member of staff who identifies and supports young carers in every school, college and university. Evidence shows that a trusted lead in education settings can make a significant difference, ensuring young carers are understood, supported and able to thrive.
Young carers take centre stage at Edinburgh Zoo
Carers Trust Scotland is partnering with The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to host a Young Carers Action Day Hustings, a lively event bringing together over 150 young and young adult carers from across Scotland.
The hustings gave young carers the chance to speak directly with candidates ahead of the Scottish Parliament Election, ask questions and highlight the importance of Young Carers Action Day in their own words.
Alongside the discussion, attendees can enjoy a well earned break in a fun, supportive setting surrounded by others who understand their experiences. The RZSS Edinburgh Zoo event was the heart of the day, a chance for young carers to be heard, celebrated and connected.
Young carers were also involved in a Scottish Parliament exhibition and evening event. Head of External Affairs, Carers Trust Scotland, Paul Traynor said: “Young carers take on responsibilities far beyond what most of their peers will ever experience. Some of these tasks are incredibly demanding; physically, emotionally and mentally.
“Too often, we assume young carers are coping because they stay quiet, keep going and try to manage as best they can. But behind that strength can be exhaustion, worry and pressure no child or young person should carry alone.
“One of the biggest challenges we see is that many young carers aren’t recognised or identified early enough. When their caring role is invisible, so are their needs, and that’s when young people can slip through the cracks.
“Young carers tell us time and time again that being understood at school makes an enormous difference. When education settings know who their young carers are, recognise the realities of caring and offer flexibility and support, it helps young people feel seen, respected and able to focus on their own futures.”
Erin, a young adult carer, said: “I’ve been a carer from my mum since the age of 8. Young Carers Action Day is such an important occasion for us young carers as it is a day to give us a voice and it can make us finally feel heard.
“What decision makers do on this day has a lasting impact on us and our futures and that is something we are so grateful for.”
New support for parents to increase their incomes and reduce the burden of everyday costs, on top of existing work, will help to keep approximately 100,000 children out of poverty in 2026-27.
More than £111 million is being committed to updated plans to eradicate child poverty through Bringing Hope, Building Futures.
It builds on existing Scottish Government action which has already reduced relative child poverty rates in Scotland to the lowest levels in almost a decade – with rates nine percentage points lower than the UK in 2023-24.
Action includes:
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s driving mission – no child should live in poverty in a country as rich as Scotland.
“This plan builds on a great deal of progress and sets out a broad range of actions to help parents – by reducing the cost of living, helping increase incomes received through work and social security, and helping their children to thrive.
“I am proud that Scotland is the only part of the UK to have statutory targets to drive down child poverty, which were unanimously agreed by parliament.
“Our plan focusses on concrete action this year while providing the foundations on which any incoming administration can build and reflect its own policy priorities, working with industry, local authorities and charities, to give children in Scotland a future free from the scourge of poverty.”
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
The Child Poverty Action Group (UK) – CPAG are carrying out research to understand the impact of the two child policy on children and family life prior to abolition of the policy in April.
This is so they can conduct further comparative research later in the year on the impact of getting rid of the policy.
It would really help them if you can spare a few minutes to answer some questions about your experience of the two child limit.
They want to hear from parents who are not receiving tax credits or universal credit for a child born after April 6 2017.
The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
No information will be used that could identify anyone involved.
Take the survey here: https://f.mtr.cool/mvoinbqtdb
You can find more information about the Child Poverty Action Group here – https://f.mtr.cool/pambkzwiyp
If you can spare a few minutes we’d be really grateful 
Foysol Choudhury MSP visited Kids Operating Room in Edinburgh last week to see first-hand the charity’s pioneering work improving access to safe surgery for children globally.
During the visit, the MSP met with Project Manager Kristyna A. Rycovska and members of the Kids Operating Room team to discuss the urgent global need for paediatric surgical care and the role Scotland can play in addressing this challenge. Millions of children worldwide still cannot access the operations they need, leading to preventable deaths or lifelong disability.
Kids Operating Room, a Scottish global health charity dedicated exclusively to children’s surgery, works with partners across Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to design, build and equip dedicated paediatric operating rooms in low-resource settings.
The charity also trains local surgical teams and supports biomedical engineers to maintain vital medical equipment.
To date, the organisation’s work spans 38 countries, with 125 dedicated paediatric operating rooms, creating capacity for more than 780,000 surgical procedures for children who would otherwise struggle to access life-saving care.
In Scotland, in addition to its Edinburgh office and Glasgow headquarters, Kids Operating Room also has a presence in Dundee, where the organisation supports biomedical engineering and the preparation of equipment for operating rooms deployed internationally.
This facility plays an important role in ensuring that surgical equipment is ready for use in partner hospitals.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It was inspiring to visit Kids Operating Room and see the incredible impact this Scottish charity is having around the world.
“No child should be denied life-saving surgery simply because of where they are born. Their work shows how Scottish expertise and commitment are helping give children the chance to grow, thrive and reach their full potential.”
Sarah Boyack hosted families of children with Tourette’s in Holyrood on Thursday to meet with a Minister and Scottish Government officials.
The roundtable, which was co-organised with Tourette’s Scotland allowed families to raise the lack of support facing their children in Scotland’s education system.
Natalie Don-Innes attended the meeting in her capacity as Minister for Children and Young People, alongside the Unit Head for Additional Support for Learning and the Promise.
Every parent agreed that many issues stemmed from the lack of training for teachers and school staff.
Many attendants highlighted that their children had been punished due to their involuntary tics because of a lack of understanding of Tourette’s.
Tourette’s Scotland offers training for schools and creates bespoke profiles for each child with Tourette’s for their new school to utilise but both the training and reading of the reports are optional.
One participant revealed that their child was told they weren’t allowed to do one of their tics in the classroom and would have to go to the bathroom to do it, despite tics being involuntary.
Another highlighted that despite having a horrible time in school, their daughter was now thriving in university and getting far better support for her Tourette’s.
The Minister, along with the Scottish Government official, agreed to liaise further with Tourette’s Scotland to examine these issues.
The roundtable came after awareness of Tourette’s has skyrocketed due to the success of “I Swear”.
Ms Boyack also hosted a Holyrood debate about Tourette’s at the start of the year where she highlighted the challenges facing kids in the education system with the condition.
Speaking after the roundtable, Sarah Boyack said: “I was honoured to host this roundtable and give parents the opportunities to tell their stories to the Minister.
“I was deeply moved by the stories I heard of children suffering due to a lack of understanding from those in the education system and the stress it has caused their parents.
“It is obvious that with a greater understanding and robust training, the education system can be a place for those with Tourette’s to thrive in rather than a challenge they have to manage.
“I hope that the next parliament picks up the baton on this issue and ensures increased support for Tourette’s is a priority.”
Tourette’s Scotland commented: “We were delighted to have the opportunity for our families to share their stories directly with the minister for children and young people.
“Our families felt heard and that it was a productive meeting with lots of ideas on how to progress with awareness and understanding.”
You can find more out about Tourette’s Scotland and their work here:
