6th June 2023
Connect welcomes the publication of All Learners in Scotland Matter: the National Discussion on education final report. Read our short summary of the report and find the Vision and Calls to Action in the report here.
Over 38,000 took part in the National Discussion; this proves how strongly people feel about education. While opinions and views may differ, at the heart is the desire to do what is best for learners and to see children and young people thrive.
The education system’s whole purpose is to support learners, and it is heartening to see the report recognises that children and young people must be at the heart of education.
Patrick McGlinchey, Executive Director of parents’ organisation Connect, said:
‘We are pleased to see recognition of the importance of parents and carers in supporting children and young people’s learning and school lives, as evidenced by multiple academic studies. Engaging with parents, carers, families, and communities is central to young people’s wellbeing and achievements. We called for parents to be mentioned in the Vision statement and this has been incorporated. Parents and carers in our Education Reform surveys were absolutely clear: they want to be involved, they want the best for all of Scotland’s young people and they want respect and recognition for the achievements of every young person.
As the report says, “the education system is fundamentally about people and relationships.”
We are particularly pleased to see the robust statements about the need for additional support for learning to be delivered to our children and young people. Again and again, parents of children and young people have said through our own surveys and in research that needs are not being met and potential is not being fulfilled because of a lack of tailored support. For some, school can be traumatic, and the report’s authors describe hearing about “distressing incidents and inequities, including use of exclusions, experiences of violence, suicidal thoughts and attempts, bullying, harassment, discrimination, anxiety, stress, and ill-health. We listened to people expressing frustration, grief, and anger.” This must be urgently addressed.