For many care experienced children and young people, school can be far more than a place of learning. It can also be a place where the impacts of trauma, loss, uncertainty, health conditions, and additional support needs are felt most keenly. For kinship carers, supporting a child to feel safe, included, and able to thrive in education can be both rewarding and challenging.
That is why Children’s Health Scotland was delighted to partner with Edinburgh Council to deliver our Helping Children Thrive at School workshop for kinship carers. The session created a dedicated space for carers to come together, share experiences, learn practical strategies, and explore how children’s rights can help shape positive educational experiences for the children in their care.
The training focused on understanding the challenges care experienced children can face in education, supporting emotional wellbeing, building resilience and self-management skills, and strengthening knowledge of children’s rights in education and healthcare.
What stood out most during this workshop was the level of engagement from participants and the clear impact the session had on confidence and knowledge. Feedback showed that:
- 100% of participants reported improved knowledge of resilience and self-management.
- 100% reported improved understanding of self-care skills for themselves and their families.
- 100% reported a greater understanding of the healthcare needs of care experienced children and young people.
- 100% felt better able to help children and young people access appropriate services when needed.
- 100% felt better able to support the children and young people in their care.
- 100% said the training had improved their understanding of children’s health rights.
These figures are encouraging, but behind every percentage is a family navigating real-life challenges and doing their very best to support the children they care for.
At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that meaningful change happens when people are given the time, space, and support to talk openly about what matters to them. Kinship carers bring a wealth of lived experience, insight, and determination. Opportunities to connect with others who understand those experiences can be invaluable.
Reflecting on the training, Helen Bauld, Programmes and Training Manager at Children’s Health Scotland, said:
Partnership working with Edinburgh Council is incredibly important because it allows us to reach kinship carers with the information, support, and opportunities they need. These training sessions are about so much more than sharing knowledge. They create a safe and supportive space where kinship carers can come together, talk honestly about their experiences, discuss the challenges they face, and explore the support that children and families need to thrive. When we take the time to listen, learn from one another, and work together, we create opportunities for meaningful change. These moments matter, and they help ensure that the voices of kinship carers and the children they care for are heard.
As we continue our work with kinship families across Scotland, we remain committed to creating opportunities where carers feel informed, empowered, and connected. Every conversation contributes to a greater understanding of what children need to flourish, both in school and beyond.
Because helping children thrive at school starts with listening to the people who support them every day.
Interested in Training for Your Organisation?
Children’s Health Scotland delivers a range of training opportunities focused on children’s health, wellbeing, rights, self-management, and supporting families.
To find out more, please contact Niki Smith at CECYPS@childrenshealthscotland.org.
