Closing the poverty related attainment gap
The Scottish Government has a strong focus on closing the poverty related attainment gap in recognition of the impact that poverty can have on children and young people’s educational experiences and outcomes. Poverty and financial precariousness have a disproportionate impact on children in need of care and protection and can have a negative effect on areas such as attendance, exclusion, attainment, and post school destinations. Ensuring that families are able to access and receive the financial support that they may be entitled to is important, and education practitioners are often well placed to signpost and support families to work with agencies and organisations who can provide advice and financial assistance.
In our May meeting of the Education Forum meeting, hosted by CELCIS, we will come together to learn more about some of the help available to some of the families and young people you may support. Attendees will hear from Tony Mitchell, Engagement Manager within the National Engagement and Partnership Team of Social Security Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government that delivers social security payments. Tony will share information on some of Social Security Scotland's Low Income Benefits, which are currently available to eligible families and young people across Scotland. This will include information on both the Five Family Payments package, which helps pregnant people, children, and their families during key milestones, and the Job Start Payment, which is available to support young people entering the workplace.
As always, there will be the opportunity for questions and discussion and attendees will also be provided with information on resources, upcoming events, and updates from CELCIS.
Who should attend?
The meeting is open to everyone who works with children and young people in an educational setting.
Register below to book your place.
About the Education Forum
At CELCIS, we are privileged to convene and coordinate a free, open-access network of practitioners and leaders who are involved or interested in the education of children with experience of care, and their families. We encourage and facilitate opportunities for practitioners to come together in a reflective, challenging and enabling space.
Membership is free and open to anyone with an interest in this area of education. We have members who are students, foster carers, health visitors, teachers and academics - so many different roles are represented.
To find out more and join, visit the Education Forum webpage.
Event details
When: Thursday 23 May
Where: Online, MS Teams
Cost: Free
Time: 09.30 - 11.00