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1. THE CONTEXT - NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child ( UNCRC)
The Scottish Government supports the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child ( UNCRC). We believe it is important that children and young people understand what it means for them and, working in partnership with young people and Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, have developed resources designed for young people to help them know their rights.
In delivering opportunities to support young people achieve their potential, the key reference points in the UNCRC are:
- Article 2: The UNCRC applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say, no matter what type of family they come from.
- Article 3: All organisations concerned with children should work towards what is in their best interests.
- Article 4: The Government should do everything possible to implement children's rights.
- Article 12: Children have the right to express their views freely and have their opinions listened to in all matters affecting them.
- Article 13: Children have the right to get, and to share, information as long as the information is not damaging to them or others.
- Article 15: Children have the right to meet with other children and young people and to join groups and organisations as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.
- Article 17: Children have the right to reliable information from the mass media. Television, radio and newspapers should provide information that they can understand and should not promote materials that could harm them.
- Article 23: Children who have a disability should receive special care and support so that they can live a full and independent life.
- Article 29: Education should develop a child's personality and talents to the full. It should encourage them to respect their parents, their own and other cultures.
- Article 31: Children have a right to relax, play and join in a wide range of activities.
Government's Economic Strategy and Purpose
The Economic Strategy sets out how Government intends to work collaboratively with the private, public and third sectors in pursuit of increasing sustainable economic growth. Its purpose is defined as:
'focusing Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth'.
Our young people will flourish if they develop confidence and skills and can grow up as motivated young citizens who contribute to their communities. By supporting every young person to achieve their full potential, we can create a more successful country for now and for the future.
Outcome 4 and the National Performance Framework
The Concordat provides a set of national outcomes and indicators for local and national government to focus on alongside other partners, including the voluntary sector.
The common principles outlined in this paper are intended primarily to support the delivery of National Outcome 4:
Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens
and National Indicator 7:
Increase the proportion of school leavers (from Scottish publicly funded schools) in positive and sustained destinations ( FE, HE, employment or training)
But it also has the potential to contribute directly or indirectly to the success of all 15 National Outcomes:
1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe
2. We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people
3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation
4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens
5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed
6. We live longer healthier lives
7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society
8. We have improved the life chances of children, young people and families at risk
9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger
10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need
11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others
12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations
13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity
14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production
15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people's needs
Investing in young people's success now will bring both short and long-term benefits. For example, if young people achieve the 4 capacities, they are more likely to make healthy life choices leading to longer healthier lives. They will take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity because they have an influential part in shaping it and know they are valued for their contribution. Their confidence and capabilities as future employees will contribute to a Scotland which is an attractive place to do business and that can realise its full economic potential. In years to come, they are more likely to give their own children the best start in life.
They will contribute to the growth of strong, resilient and supportive communities and turn away from crime and disorder as they have high aspirations and positive activities to fill their lives.
Delivering National Outcome 4
The diagram overleaf shows how a wide range of services and programmes are supporting young people to achieve the 4 capacities, underpinned by the UNCRC principles and the Getting it right for every child ( GIRFEC) approach. There are many links and overlaps between the 9 delivery 'pillars':
- Curriculum for Excellence
- Supporting transitions
- Youth-friendly health services
- Services for young people
- Preventing offending by young people
- Information and accessible, youth-friendly services
- Youth work opportunities and approaches
- Young people's voice and communications
- Workforce development
It does not represent a comprehensive presentation of all delivery but provides a visual reference to assist partners see where they can contribute to the success of other programmes, particularly Curriculum for Excellence. It can also help education managers and headteachers find partners who can work with them to deliver Curriculum for Excellence.
A supporting reference paper expanding on the pillars is available on line at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ValuingYoungPeopleRef.
SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS, CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS, EFFECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
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