Children’s Parliament has developed an approach we call an Investigation. In an investigation children are supported to explore a topic, present findings and produce resources to progress the rights and wellbeing of children. Each investigation, reflecting the nature of co-production, takes a bespoke approach. Topics that have been investigated so far by the members of Children’s Parliament (MCPs) include: Bullying, Alcohol-free Childhood, and Health and Wellbeing Curriculum. In the summer 2021, we commenced a new project to support our members to investigate how Professionals can make rights real.
“It shouldn’t be just about following the law, but also about everyone knowing about their rights.”
“All adults, like teachers and personal support assistants need to know children’s rights so they understand what’s going on and what the child’s rights are if they make a complaint.”
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, which came into effect from 16 July 2024, positions Scotland as the first UK nation to adopt the UNCRC into domestic law. The individual teacher, social worker, health professional, police officer etc. has always been recognised as a key ally in the delivery of the experience of rights for children day-to-day whether at school, within service provision or in the community. Our investigation explored the role of the Scottish workforce post-incorporation, and co-produced learning materials with children that will build knowledge, confidence and competence in their important role as duty-bearers in the context of children’s human rights as law.
Using our established Investigation approach 12 Members of Children’s Parliament met with a wide range of professionals to discuss childhood and children’s human rights, and to explore what all workers can do to make children’s rights real. Our Members of Children’s Parliament were based in East Lothian and Clackmannanshire and were all aged 9 – 11. Following meaningful discussions with the professionals, and wider surveys with their classmates, the children used their findings to co-create a range of learning resources to support all workers to embed children’s rights into their practice. On completion of the project, the children proudly presented their creations at local launch events in April 2022.
The video below demonstrates the investigation process in East Lothian.
