YouthLink Scotland calls for the Education Bill to strengthen the current role and impact of youth work across the learning system – building on the other aspects of reform that reinforce the need for youth work in an interconnected education and skills landscape.
YouthLink Scotland has been calling for Education Reform to drive a transformed education system that seeks to address the purposes described in Articles 28 and 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). We believe the renewed vision for Scotland’s children and young people’s education can only be achieved by ensuring that youth work is included as a fundamental entitlement in the learning system. Our response reflects the views of young people taking part in youth work, who called for Education Reform to ensure every young person could access youth work where and when they need it.
It will be essential that the Education Bill builds on the current role and impact of youth work across the learning system – building on the other aspects of reform that reinforce the need for youth work in an interconnected education and skills landscape. This includes sustained and equitable investment and stronger coordination, to ensure young people can access the support they need, where and where they need it. The Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD) will also be an important opportunity to build on the strengths of the CLD sector and consider its integral role in reforming Scotland’s education system.