New figures show that 43% of pupils in Scottish schools – nearly 300,000 children – now have an Additional Support Need (ASN), the highest proportion ever recorded. This includes children with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties, learning disabilities such as dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and family-related challenges.
children's health
Children’s Health Scotland responds to State of the Nation Report: Making children’s health and rights a reality
The Scottish Human Rights Commission’s State of the Nation 2025 warns that essential human rights—including the right to health—remain out of reach for many people in Scotland. The report highlights ten areas of urgent concern, including barriers to healthcare, food insecurity, housing challenges, and inadequate support for disabled people and families.
Scotland’s first proposal for the Children’s Rights Scheme: Making Rights Real for Every Child
The Scottish Government has published its first Proposal for the Children’s Rights Scheme under the UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Act 2024, marking a historic milestone in embedding children’s rights into law. Public authorities now have a legal duty to act compatibly with the UNCRC when delivering relevant functions, creating a proactive culture of accountability for children’s […]
Rights, Resilience and Real-Life Stories — our Autumn/Winter 2025 Magazine
Across Scotland, children and young people are discovering their health rights — and this season’s magazine from Children’s Health Scotland is a celebration of what happens when those rights are recognised, respected, and realised.
Health, Rights and Results | The CHS Annual Review and Impact Report 2024-25
Over the past year, through the delivery of trauma-informed, rights-based services, Children’s Health Scotland (CHS) has supported 7,866 children and young people, 7,185 parents and carers, and 5,743 professionals across Scotland—empowering children to thrive and helping families feel informed, included, and supported.
#BeKind – Niamh: Inspiring Change Through Kindness
Every child and young person deserves to feel supported and heard, especially in healthcare. Niamh McGregor, a young volunteer, proud Health Rights Defender, and Winner of Children’s Health Scotland’s: Healthcare Rights Award, is using her kindness and lived experiences to help children and young people feel more confident, informed, and included in their healthcare journey. […]
Celebrating the Success of SMS Programmes
For children and young people living with a health condition, life can sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating. That’s why our Self-Management Service (SMS) Programmes are so important. Today, we are celebrating SMS programmes and the positive difference they continue to make in the lives of children and families. Since 2009, they have been helping children […]
Young voices, big impact: What our Health Rights Defenders want you to know about waiting lists
At Children’s Health Scotland, we believe that children and young people should be heard—especially when it comes to their health and wellbeing. That’s why our incredible Health Rights Defenders have been speaking up about something that affects far too many: long waiting times to access healthcare.
Trustee recruitment
Are you passionate about supporting the right of every child to the best possible health? Children’s Health Scotland is the leading children’s health charity in Scotland and we are currently recruiting for new Trustees.
Spring/Summer 2025 edition of our magazine now available
We are thrilled to announce the release of the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of our magazine, packed with exciting updates, inspiring stories, and essential information for children, young people, families, and carers across Scotland.
