Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland

Graphic featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The text reads: "Think about all the positive attributes you have that make you unique. Exam results aren’t the only way to measure success so be proud of yourself." Nicola Killean is pictured smiling in a yellow blouse, with the Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo in the top right corner. In the background, a blurred image shows a person holding a pencil over an exam paper.

♥️ It's #SQAResults today which can be a day of mixed emotions. Think about all the positive attributes you have that make you unique - and remember your value is more than grades. #NoWrongPath

Read more: bit.ly/47fYFyh

A group photo of around 50 children and adults on a football pitch, with a large quote overlaid in white text. The quote reads: “Participating in sport can help children access a range of rights, like their right to play, and their right to the best possible health. Sport can also positively impact children’s right to development and socialisation.” – Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The Commissioner’s logo appears in the bottom right corner.

⚽ Commissioner Nicola Killean spent a morning with children
from Hillwood Community Trust & praised campaigners who have established a life-changing community sports hub. Sport builds fitness, resilience, connection, joy, & helps realise a range of rights.

Read more: bit.ly/4mcnJdG

Young Advisors work with European peers on children’s rights in Croatia Young Advisors Rowan and Saif have visited Croatia to work with young people from all over Europe on the children's right to physical health.

Two of our Young Advisors travelled to Croatia to work with other young people from all over Europe on the right to physical health. Their recommendations will be finalised in September: bit.ly/4fhXnFc

A photo of a large hand‑drawn poster on white paper, taped to a cinder‑block wall. At the top, in bold red marker, is the title “Young Carers…!!” Beneath it are five simple blue line drawings of young people—arms outstretched, smiling—and one wearing a headscarf. Scattered around them are speech bubbles reading: “be proud!” “be yourself!” “have fun!” “we are amazing!” Brightly colored thumbs‑up sticky notes (in pink, yellow, and green) are affixed around the poster, adding a playful, celebratory touch.

Seven young people wearing white T‑shirts and casual pants or shorts—some holding camera gear—standing in a line on a sunlit grassy field alongside Commissioner Nicola Killean in a pink suit and sunglasses; behind them are trees, inflatable play structures, and a partly cloudy blue sky.

Celebrated the UNCRC’s 1st anniversary in Scots law alongside amazing young carers at #ScottishYoungCarersFestival. However their stories & struggles remind us there’s more work to do to ensure their rights are respected, protected & fulfilled.

Read more: bit.ly/4eYF6wu

Graphic featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland. The quote reads: “The UNCRC has been part of our law in Scotland for one year now – it’s a huge step forward for children’s rights but there is still much more to do.” The text is in bold blue and red font. The Commissioner’s logo appears in the top-right corner, and a stylised sunrise icon in blue, yellow, and orange appears in the bottom-right.

Today is the first anniversary of UNCRC incorporation into Scots law. Having children’s rights in law is a huge milestone but it’s just one step. We’ll keep holding people in power to account so every child in Scotland can have their rights respected, protected, and fulfilled.

Landscape recruitment flyer for the role of Legal Officer (Solicitor) at the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. On the left, job details include: "Legal Officer (Solicitor), Full time | Permanent, £45,428 – £54,166 (Grade 4)." Closing date is "17:00 on Monday 21st July"; interviews will be "Week commencing Monday 11th August." On the right, a header reads “Why Apply?” followed by four bullet points: "⚖️ Drive legal change – Use new UNCRC litigation powers to shape Scots law" "📂 Lead on key cases – Tackle high-profile children’s rights issues" "📣 Work with children – Amplify their voices on complex rights issues" "💥 Join a bold team – Make a real impact in a values-led organisation" The flyer includes icons and a red circular logo for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland in the top right. Background includes soft legal imagery such as a gavel and child illustration.

⏰Last week to apply!

Join our bold team as a Legal Officer (Solicitor) and help create a better future for children and young people across Scotland.

📅 Apply by Mon 21 July: bit.ly/46mNkMl

A bold, graphic poster against a dark navy-blue background. In the center is a large pale-yellow circle. Overlapping its left edge is a stylized red megaphone pointing right, with three navy-blue “sound rays” emitting from its mouth. At an angle inside the upper left of the circle, in black sans-serif type, it reads: “Tell His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.” Centered near the bottom of the circle, also in black bold type, is the subtitle: “Our Young Advisors’ views on school inspections.” Below the circle, on the navy field, are two white bullet points: • Relaxed atmosphere creates comfort • Good communication before, and after inspections In the lower right corner is a small red circle containing the white logo text: “Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland.”

🏫 Open, relaxed HMIE inspectors make school visits a more effective experience for everyone. Clear communication is key. Our Young Advisors shared their views with Education Scotland as part of engagement work into improving school inspections. 🗨️

Read more: bit.ly/4lP4mY9

Landscape recruitment flyer for the role of Legal Officer (Solicitor) at the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. On the left, job details include: "Legal Officer (Solicitor), Full time | Permanent, £45,428 – £54,166 (Grade 4)." Closing date is "17:00 on Monday 21st July"; interviews will be "Week commencing Monday 11th August." On the right, a header reads “Why Apply?” followed by four bullet points: "⚖️ Drive legal change – Use new UNCRC litigation powers to shape Scots law" "📂 Lead on key cases – Tackle high-profile children’s rights issues" "📣 Work with children – Amplify their voices on complex rights issues" "💥 Join a bold team – Make a real impact in a values-led organisation" The flyer includes icons and a red circular logo for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland in the top right. Background includes soft legal imagery such as a gavel and child illustration.

👩‍⚖️ Step into the role of Legal Officer (Solicitor) and empower the Commissioner to act when children's rights aren't respected.

🛡️ As part of our bold team, you’ll promote, protect and defend the human rights of every child in Scotland.

Apply: bit.ly/40I5X9Y

“Child poverty is a result of policy choices. It doesn’t have to be this way.” In the bottom corner are logos for the Children’s Commissioners of the UK: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England.

“We are united in calling for a UK-wide child poverty strategy that tackles the root causes.” Logos of the four UK Children’s Commissioners appear in the bottom corner.

Child poverty is not inevitable – it's a result of policy choices.

Children’s Commissioners across the UK are united in calling for urgent action:
❌ Scrap the two-child limit
📈 Raise child benefits annually

Statement: bit.ly/4ljjf59

Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill July 2025. We submitted written Stage 1 evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee to express our support for Daniel Johnson MSP’s members bill on restraint and seclusion

We've responded to the Scottish Parliament's Education, Children & Young People Committee's Call for Views on Daniel Johnson MSP's members bill on restraint and seclusion in schools in Scotland.

www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/re...

Illustration showing a person shouting into a megaphone next to a large speech bubble that says "We're recruiting!" Below, it reads: "Legal Officer (Solicitor) Full time, Permanent £45,428 – £54,166 Grade 4 Closing date: 17:00 on Monday 21st July Interviews: Monday 11th August 2025." The image also includes an icon of justice scales and colourful sparkles for decoration.

Want to use your legal skills to make a difference for children & young people? 🪧

We’re hiring a Legal Officer (Solicitor).
💼 Full time, permanent
💷 £45,428–£54,166
🗓️ Apply by 21 July | Interview: 11 August

Apply: bit.ly/46mNkMl

Here we Cro! Rowan and Saif going on international rights adventure Young Advisors Rowan and Saif are going to Croatia to meet other young people from around Europe to discuss the right to physical health, as part of ENYA's work.

Our international work includes working with the strong global network of Children's Commissioners.

Our Young Advisors get involved too.

They've been working on the right to physical health & soon they'll meet young advisors from Europe to share, learn and create recommendations ➡️ bit.ly/3Tdqn6Q

As schools finish up for summer over the next week, we’re thinking about what every child needs: time to rest, play, relax and be happy.

Watch this heartwarming film we made where children share what makes them happy. Their words say it all!

Children have the right to education – but too many Care Experienced children are being let down

@cypcs.bsky.social asked Who Cares? Scotland to look at education & what must change

Their findings echo their own report - system doesn’t work for all #UNCRCScotland

buff.ly/mQgwYYA

Young Advisors share education views with the UN The Commissioner's Young Advisors Group have submitted a response to the United Nations on the right to education, looking at barriers to learning, attainment, and attendance.

Children are always at the heart of our work & our amazing Young Advisors have shared with @UN what they think about aspects of the right to education in Scotland. They looked at the last three years of school, barriers to learning, attainment, & attendance.

More: bit.ly/4edxBkI

A graphic featuring a powerful quote from a young person in S2: “Chances are I wouldn’t be here alive today if not for e-Sgoil.” The quote is displayed in bold white text on a blue-tinted background image of a young person wearing headphones and using a computer. Below the quote, the attribution reads: “Young person in S2” in bold yellow text. To the right, there is an image of a report titled “Alternative education provision for children: Learning from the e-Sgoil model” with a red and blue megaphone icon labelled “GOOD PRACTICE.” The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears in the top right corner.

📚 Every child has the right to an education that develops them to their fullest potential. Our latest Good Practice feature highlights young people sharing how online learning from eSgoil is doing just that.

Read more 👉 bit.ly/43PzMaM

Watch now | Scottish Parliament TV

At 9:30, Head of Legal, Nick Hobbs gives evidence on the rights of child footballers.

❌SFA & SPFL continue to disregard Parliament's recommendations.

👩‍⚖️If the CMA won't investigate, @parliament.scot & Scot Gov‬ have to seriously consider legislation and/or regulation.

Live: ow.ly/BbGW50W9no5

Commissioner Nicola Killean said: “The report by Who Cares? Scotland reinforces findings from my recent report that too many #children are being let down by the current #education system. Read her blog today!
@moragtreanor.bsky.social @childrenatrisk.bsky.social

Children’s Commissioner: There’s a lot to learn from new report into care experienced children and education Our office has commissioned Who Cares? Scotland to look at care experienced children and young people within the education system, and to find out what they think should change. Commissioner Nicola Ki...

Commissioner blogs about "Exclusion Labelled As Support", the Who Cares? Scotland report into Care Experienced children in education. She writes about the findings, & what needs to change to make sure children’s rights are at the ♥️ of education.

www.cypcs.org.uk/news-and-sto...

A graphic featuring a quote from Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, alongside the cover of a report. The quote reads: “Too many children are being let down by the current education system. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential. But this isn’t happening for lots of children who have care experience.” Her name and title appear below the quote in red and blue text. To the right, there's a colourful cover image of a report titled: “Exclusion labelled as support” – Care Experienced children in Scotland’s education system, published by Who Cares? Scotland and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. In the background is a faded image of a young child resting their head on a desk in a classroom.

Children have the right to education – but too many Care Experienced children are being let down. We asked
Who Cares? Scotland to look at education & what must change. Their findings echo our own report - the system doesn’t work for all.

Read more: bit.ly/3SSIFtJ

We are recruiting for a full-time Legal Officer (Solicitor) post! 🤩 www.cypcs.org.uk/about/legal-...

Questions about AI are common from children and young people - both on the benefits and how useful it is, and the worries around what it means now for children and for the future.

⬇️ MCPs have helped create a teaching resource to guide those very conversations. Click through for more details.

Commissioner’s online assembly is child’s play! Thousands of children enjoyed a play time with a difference – at a special online assembly with the Children’s Commissioner to mark UN International Day of Play.

Thanks to the 6000 + children who joined us for our #InternationalDayofPlay assembly today with e-Sgoil. Special thanks to the amazing children from Windsor Park
who shared what they like to do to exercise their right to play, rest & relax😎. ENJOY!

Read more: bit.ly/3HC61l5

📣 It’s nearly here! Join our BSL-interpreted #InternationalDayofPlay assembly with eSgoil this Wednesday. 🧸

Tell us what play means to you! Your views will help make sure children across Scotland can grow up healthy & happy.

🗓 Wed 11 June, 9.30–10am
👉 bit.ly/43mdb48

🧏‍♀️ Our online #InternationalDayofPlay assembly is BSL interpreted—so deaf and BSL-using children can take part fully.

🎉 Celebrate play, creativity & children's rights with Nicola Killean, eSgoil & young people across Scotland.

🗓 Wed 11 June, 9.30–10am

👉http://bit.ly/43mdb48

Promotional graphic for the International Day of Play online assembly. It invites children across Scotland to celebrate children’s rights on Wednesday, 11 June. Details include: An online assembly for primary-aged children, a focus on the right to play, rest and leisure, a chance to share views that will inform international work on physical health rights, and a draw-along session to create a Rights Rabbit character with a talented illustrator. The event runs from 9:30am to 10:00am and requires no registration. It includes BSL interpretation. The graphic features the logos of Scotland’s Assembly, e-sgoil, and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The background shows children playing with building blocks.

🧸Celebrate play, creativity & children’s rights this #InternationalDayofPlay. Join Nicola Killean, eSgoil
& children across Scotland for a fun, BSL-interpreted online assembly. 🐰

🗓 Wed 11 June, 9:30 – 10am.

More info 👉 bit.ly/43mdb48

Promotional graphic for the International Day of Play online assembly. It invites children across Scotland to celebrate children’s rights on Wednesday, 11 June. Details include: An online assembly for primary-aged children, a focus on the right to play, rest and leisure, a chance to share views that will inform international work on physical health rights, and a draw-along session to create a Rights Rabbit character with a talented illustrator. The event runs from 9:30am to 10:00am and requires no registration. It includes BSL interpretation. The graphic features the logos of Scotland’s Assembly, e-sgoil, and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. The background shows children playing with building blocks.

Come and celebrate International Day of Play at our online rights assembly for primary-aged children (BSL interpreted) with eSgoil. Don’t miss it: Wed, June 11, 9.30-10am. Bring paper & pencils for our fun draw-along activity!

More info: bit.ly/43mdb48

Join @cypcs.bsky.social‬ Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean and children across Scotland to celebrate children’s human rights on UN International Day of Play on Wed 11 June 2025

Wearing an orange shirt and khaki trousers, Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People's Commissioner is standing with a young person called Shaun, who is wearing a waistcoat and jeans. Between them is a sign advertising the organisation called Children in Scotland.

Looking forward to co-chairing @childreninscotland.bsky.social conference today with Shaun from Changing our World. Always an important gathering and opportunity for everyone committed to progressing children's rights in Scotland to share expertise and learning. #CiSAC25

Abi, our Youth Participation Worker for the North, met the @cypcs.bsky.social team in Moray to help them gather a local perspective on #ChildrensRights, inclusive of armed forces communities.

We’re pleased to be working with others seeking to protect the rights of children and young people!