Exploring feedback around membership of the Virtual School Head Teacher and Care Experienced Team Network: Discussion findings from a facilitated workshop [Paper Two]

In October 2020 CELCIS convened and facilitated a virtual workshop with the Virtual School Head Teacher (VSHT) and Care Experienced Team (CET) network. The workshop aimed to explore the unique role of VSHTs and CETs in relation to supporting children and families during COVID-19 and what impact, if any, members felt there had been for themselves, children and families, by being part of the VSHT and CET network.   Read More ...

Author : Sarah Deeley and Linda O’Neill

Exploring the unique role of the Virtual School Head Teacher or Care Experienced Team in relation to supporting children and families during COVID-19: Discussion findings from a facilitated workshop [Paper One]

In October 2020 CELCIS convened and facilitated a virtual workshop with the Virtual School Head Teacher (VSHT) and Care Experienced Team (CET) network. The workshop aimed to explore the unique role of VSHTs and CETs in relation to supporting children and families during COVID-19 and what impact, if any, members felt there had been for themselves, children and families, by being part of the VSHT and CET network.   Read More ...

Author : Sarah Deeley and Linda O’Neill

Children 'get animated' in lockdown

Nikki Hepburn, Art teacher at Harmeny Education Trust, is a residential school providing care and education to children aged 5-14 who have experienced early years trauma, describes an animation project, funded by Creative Scotland, which created an innovative and accessible way for young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs to tell their own stories.   Read More ...

Author : Nikki Hepburn

Education Forum - November 2020

Resources from the November 2020 meeting of the CELCIS Education Forum.   Read More ...

Author : CELCIS

Information about the Care Experienced Students Bursary

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the Care Experienced Students Bursary (CESB) and higher education and further education. It covers details about who is eligible for the CESB, how to apply, and practical information about how payments are made.   Read More ...

Author : Hub for Success

An evaluation of the We are Citizens! Ensemble care experienced theatre company project

In 2018 the Citizens Theatre, in partnership with CELCIS, was awarded funding from the Life Changes Trust’s Creative and Active Lives initiative, to establish Scotland’s first professional theatre company for young actors with care experience. This was a bold and ambitious project. The vision was to establish, develop and nurture a unique Theatre Company for the many diverse voices of young people enabling them to be listened to, heard, and celebrated for their artistic talents.   Read More ...

Author : Dr Louise Hill, Dr Leanne McIver & Dr Brandi Lee Lough Dennell

CELCIS response to call for views on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill

CELCIS strongly supports this progressive approach to promote systemic change through legislation for the promotion of children’s rights through incorporation of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). With a comprehensive approach to implementation, this historic Bill can embed children’s rights across our public services, change how we view and realise rights in Scotland, and raise the status of all children in Scotland, including those in need of care and protection.   Read More ...

Author : Kate MacKinnon, Paul Sullivan, Rosie Moore, Elaine Adams, Miriana Giraldi, Kirsty Deacon

Under the spotlight of COVID-19: Real change is possible

Claire Burns, Director of CELCIS (Acting), takes a moment to consider how much we have learned that we didn’t know before the COVID-19; how this emergency has thrown a spotlight on so much of what we already knew and what this means as we work to make change happen to realise The Promise.   Read More ...

Author : Claire Burns

Bridging the digital divide for care experienced young people in Scotland: If not now, when?

This report has been produced by CELCIS and the University of Edinburgh and investigates how Scotland’s care leavers have been affected by digital exclusion during the COVID-19 health crisis and how local authorities have responded to these specific needs.   Read More ...

Author : Kenny McGhee and Dr. Autumn Roesch-Marsh

Caring for Vulnerable Children - Free online course

Book our free online course to explore the approaches involved in caring for vulnerable children.   Read More ...

Author :

Response to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee’s Inquiry into support for vulnerable children during the Coronavirus outbreak’

The Scottish Parliament's Education and Skills Committee is seeking information around the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on vulnerable children. CELCIS responded to this inquiry, sharing information on how services are responding to and supporting the needs of children and families in need of care and protection.   Read More ...

Author : Linda O'Neill

‘Supervision in Education – Healthier Schools For All’ - Barnardo’s Scotland

Barnardo's Scotland has published a new report 'Supervision in Education - Healthier Schools for All', which calls for better emotional and mental health support for education professionals to enab;le them to   Read More ...

Author : Barnardo's Scotland

WAC ensemble member Chloe talks about Whatever Happened to the Jaggy Nettles?

First published by Citizens Theatre, 30 January 2020.   Read More ...

Author : Chloe

Independent Care Review reports

Scotland’s Independent Care Review published its findings and recommendations,   Read More ...

Author : Independent Care Review

Education Forum - November 2019

Resources from the November 2019 meeting of the CELCIS Education Forum.   Read More ...

Author : CELCIS

CELCIS response to Scottish Funding Council’s Consultation on the Widening Access and Retention Fund

The Scottish Funding Council are reviewing the best use of the Widening Access and Retention Fund in higher education. We consider changes which could positively impact on the educational experiences and outcomes for care experienced students.   Read More ...

Author : Linda O'Neill

An Ayrshire school where care experienced young people’s views are taken seriously

South Ayrshire CHAMPS Board is working in partnership with Belmont Academy in Ayr to bring care experienced young people together and support and encourage them.   Read More ...

Author : Dawn Parker

How can it be that ‘being a student with care experience is very daunting’ and ‘…..supportive, inclusive, diverse and fun… a joy actually’?

First published in Exchange Wales on 5 August 2019.   Read More ...

Author : Linda O'Neill

Are care leavers really more likely to go to prison than university?

First published by Exchange Wales on 14 August 2019.   Read More ...

Author : Dr Neil Harrison

Young people in the care system deserve help to enter university

A version of this blog post was first published in The Times on 26 July 2019.   Read More ...

Author : Iain MacRitchie