Writing in the Edinburgh Evening News (9 February), Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish reflects on The Promise.
Last week marked the sixth anniversary of The Promise, a commitment that all children and young people in Scotland will grow up loved, safe and respected so they can realise their full potential.
Keeping this pledge is the guiding principle and backbone of what we do as a Council and something I take extremely seriously in my role as Education, Children and Families Convenor.
I am incredibly proud that Edinburgh is a city that is home to all and that regardless of where a child is born, the school they attend, who they live with, they can go on to achieve their dreams, aspirations and potential.
We want all children and young people in our care to grow up feeling safe, healthy and nurtured. While we acknowledge that there is more to be done, we are proud of the progress we have made in recent years.
Children and young people become involved in the care system in a variety of ways, some are 'cared for' for a long time, and others for just a short time. Regardless of how and for how long, we know that it is important that those who are care experienced know and feel that they are part of a community.
Our Corporate Parenting hub in the heart of Edinburgh is central to this, providing a place where care experienced people of all ages can come together to meet, make friends and have fun. It has been created by and for those who are care experienced and includes a playroom, art space, sensory room as well as a kitchen and lounge area where people can get together.
Members of our champions board have played a key part in shaping the look and feel of the hub. The board supports three participation groups made up of people aged 12 -26 with young people leading the way in shaping services, expressing their creativity and building bridges with corporate parents.
Building and nurturing a sense of community is crucial. It is a priority for us to facilitate this through activity such as our annual residential trip away to the Cairngorms where young people aged 15 – 18 can have fun in a supportive and safe environment.
We are also committed to supporting our care experienced learners in school in a way that suits them and our We Matter team works closely with learners of all ages, helping them in a variety of ways to develop skills, confidence and self-esteem.
None of this happens in isolation, it’s thanks to our hard-working and dedicated teams, and a range of partners, that we can deliver The Promise.
The foundations of a good childhood are being loved, safe, nurtured and protected. It is this grounding that enables children and young people to flourish and thrive – we are committed and focused on providing this to all children and young people in Edinburgh.