We had a fantastic time celebrating Health Weeks in Schools across Scotland, alongside the children and young people at Greenhill Primary School and Broxburn Primary School, reaching an incredible 760 children and young people across both schools.
Greenhill Primary School: Stories, Surveys and Speaking Up
At Greenhill Primary, our early years learners were introduced to Bear’s Story, an engaging and gentle way to explore what it might feel like to visit the hospital. Through interactive storytelling and play, children supported Bear on his journey, helping to build confidence, understanding and emotional resilience.
One Primary 1 pupil shared:
I liked it when I was the doctor. Doctor’s help lots and I feel better knowing they won’t say big confusing words.
For pupils in Primary 3 to 7, this was an opportunity to step into their roles as Health Rights Defenders. They shared their views through our My Health, My Rights Survey, ensuring their experiences and opinions help shape the future of healthcare for children and young people.
A Primary 7 pupil said:
I really liked taking part in the Survey. It’s cool that people in the Scottish Government will hear what we have to say.
The survey remains open until 30 June, and we encourage as many children and young people as possible to take part and have their say. Take part by CLICKING HERE.
Broxburn Primary School: Early Learning Through Play
At Broxburn Primary, we visited children from nursery through to Primary 3, where Bear once again helped bring health experiences to life. Through play based learning, children explored feelings, health and wellbeing, and what it means to be cared for. These early interactions are key in helping children understand their health journeys in a way that is meaningful and accessible.
Why Play Matters
Play underpins everything we do. It is a fundamental right set out in Article 31 of the UNCRC and it plays a vital role in how children learn, communicate and understand the world around them. Through the framework of GIRFEC, Getting It Right For Every Child, play supports children to be healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included. The EACH Charter further reinforces that children in healthcare settings have the right to play and be treated as children first. By embedding play into our sessions through storytelling, art and interaction, we create safe spaces for children to learn about their rights and their health.
A Message from Children’s Health Scotland
Rhianne Forrest, Officer for Children’s Health Scotland, said:
We love visiting schools all across Scotland, and it is always so encouraging to see how engaged children and young people are in learning about their rights. Education around the UNCRC is extremely important, but so too is awareness of the EACH Charter and what it means for children in healthcare settings. Children learn best through play, and through Bear’s Story, art and interactive activities, we are able to share important information in a way that children can understand and connect with. When schools invite us in, they are supporting their young people to understand that they have the right to the best possible health.
Thank You
We would like to extend our thanks to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Scottish Government for their continued support of our Health Rights Service.
Finally, a sincere thank you to Greenhill Primary School and Broxburn Primary School for welcoming us so warmly and for their commitment to supporting children and young people to understand their health rights.
