James Anderson 2 weeks ago
Our Learning and Development Worker delivers free accredited face-to-face CPD training specifically designed for educators and professionals working with young people from armed forces communities.
The training is tailored for individual audiences to enhance understanding and practice, equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the specific needs of young people from military backgrounds. It is aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Getting it Right for Every Child and Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.
Recently, we delivered a face-to-face session in Helensburgh. The ‘Practitioner’s Forum,’ hosted by Royal Navy Family and People Support and led by Melani Erlank, met at the Drumfork Community Centre on Wednesday 22 January 2025. At the event, Judith Blair and Meg Thomas presented the accredited CPD learning module ‘Children from Armed Forces and Veteran Families and their Rights’.
During the session, attendees were given an overview of the UNCRC, discussed Scotland’s UNCR incorporation journey and explored protection, provision and participation rights through co-produced animations. Practitioners were able to engage in professional dialogue in a fun and interactive way through our Rights Board Game. The lived experience of children and young people from forces families was also shared.
Feedback from the session proved to show that the module was a well-crafted learning activity with lots of opportunities for discussion and active learning:
“It was fun, engaging and an opportunity to network. Please continue to utilise this approach”
“Very informative and presented in a fun and easy way to follow. Engaging and good to change between group work and discussion”
“I found this session very informative, learnt loads more about the UNCRC. Great interactive games and conversations”
“Really enjoyed the session. You made it a very positive experience, which gives hope 😊”
The training session helped to raise awareness about children’s rights and empowered practitioners supporting this community to enhance inclusive environments where all children, regardless of their background, feel understood and supported.
Judith Blair, our Learning and Development worker, had this to say about the practitioner’s forum:
‘The practitioners forum was a wonderful opportunity to engage with professionals from various sectors across Argyll and Bute. Together, we were able to create a co-learning space where we could connect in a fun and engaging way. A highlight for me was using our rights board game to promote professional dialogue and reflection. It was also fantastic to hear about current good practice that is occurring throughout the authority.”
Forces Children Scotland has a learning offer for professionals to access which includes eight accredited modules on various subjects including deployment, mobility and transition to civilian life.
If you would like more information about our learning activities or would like the learning team to visit your school or establishment please email Judith at learning@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk.
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Visit Learning offer for educators and professionals – Forces Children Scotland for further information.
For more information, please contact Judith Blair, Learning and Development Worker – judith.blair@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk.
Images are available upon request.
We support over 13,000 children and young people from armed forces communities across Scotland to realise their potential and thrive.
This is achieved through the delivery of mental health & wellbeing, youth participation, family support, education & learning, and policy services to meet their unique support needs. Moreover, we assist educators, professionals, and decision-makers to enhance their understanding and practice to meet the unique support needs of this community.
We put the lived experience of children and young people from this community at the heart of everything we do, and work directly with our team to co-produce our projects, services, and campaigns to ensure we collaborate as a collective force for good to achieve our vision of making Scotland a place where all children & young people from armed forces communities can realise their potential and thrive.
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