Tam's diary

I visited Kyle Academy, Ayr – Ezmie McCutcheon attended. I spoke to all first year pupils – around 200 and provided information on a RIGHT blether – they intend to include all pupils and feeder primaries in the November vote.

We then visited Minishant Primary – 48 pupils – who had invited representatives from the neighbouring primaries so the assembled group was around 100 pupils. The Q&A was most inquisitive – how did I get into the video and where did I get the plastic to make produce the video – a helpful teacher suggested I had simply bought it.

We went onto the Zone project in Dalmellington, East Ayrshire and spoke to around 30 young people. This was more informal because of the setting. This visit also provided the opportunity to visit an adventure playground in the making with funds from Inspiring Scotland and employment from an intermediate labour market project – all of this managed through the one organisation.

I met with John Dunford and two accompanying civil servants assisting him in reviewing the role of the Children’s Commissioner for England – Paul and Stefan attended the meeting. I was reassured by the brief and approach taken by John regarding the objective of the review and the openness of the discussion. We emphasised the need for an independent Commissioner and sufficient resources and powers to fulfil the role.

The Annual Report and Accounts were laid in Scottish Parliament. The press release caught some media coverage, including an STV news item.

I spoke at the North East Child Protection Committee conference in Aberdeen. This was attended by 140 delegates and I addressed the issues around my role and child protection. I shared the platform with Professor David Howe – a very great pleasure for me.

I visited Riverbank School in the Tillydrone area of Aberdeen. I spoke to the whole school, 180 pupils, was toured around the school (with very attentive photographers) and met with a small group of children. The small group were very expressive regarding their thought on the area in which they stayed and this was commented upon by the accompanying education officer.

22nd September

I attended the launch of the HMIP report. This was notable in terms of the interest in the launch and also the comments made in respect of Cornton Vale and the general concern around this establishment – and it accommodates 16/17 year old young women.

I met with Pagoda – Paul and Ezmie attended. This provided the opportunity to consider the handling of the Early Years research.

I had an informal meeting with Jackie Cassidy who has just taken up a post with Children in Scotland.

I spoke at the Care Commission young person’s care conference – Sarah Louise staffed the stall. This event was a first for the Care Commission as they sought to involve young people from care in their inspection processes. It was attended by around 60 people and a useful opportunity to promote my role and a RIGHT blether.

I visited Rossie Secure School. I spoke to 9 young people in the secure unit and 3 in the open school. The school has used the RIGHT blether resource packs as the basis of a wide range of their work and showed me the product of this covering the walls of the unit – there was even a large scale drawing in progress of the cartoon character. I was assured all of this was genuine and not for the benefit of the visit.

I met with the steering group of Cash for Kids and discussed with them how they may focus their funding allocations on early years. I encouraged them to think in terms of establishing centres for young families initially in areas where there are concentrations of poor families.

I spoke at the Crossreach annual staff conference. This was a general input on my role and the role fulfilled by voluntary agencies such as Crossreach.

I visited St. John’s High School and spoke to two groups of 1st year pupils – around 180 pupils in total giving them details of a RIGHT blether – Cathy was in attendance. This is a large school and made me thoughtful about the sign up for secondary schools.

In the evening, I visited two youth groups operating out of Hilltown, Dundee. At the Mark Harrison Centre I spoke to around 14 young people attending the Changing Horizons youth group which focuses on musical activities. I then visited The Disc Target Group, which provides football activities to young people as part of late night activities. The Disc group was inspirational because I spoke to 6 young leaders (18-19 years) who had all graduated from attending the group and were now running the operation – they also showed me a video of their work and I hope they send it as part of RIGHT brilliant things.

I held a GLOW meet in Campie Primary School, Musselburgh – Katie and Cathy contributed to the meet. The school had 500 pupils and they all took part through GLOW as well as another 28 schools around Scotland – well done Cathy in the arrangements for promoting the meet. The focus of this GLOW meet was Right Brilliant Things and the Q&A prompted a good range of question, including an inquiry as to why we had chosen the ‘thumbs up’ sign for our trade mark.

I gave a speech to a Child Curriculum conference. This conference was promoting the early years, included many high profile speakers and gained media coverage.

I gave the opening speech to the international youth conference; Mind the Gap – Gillian present with stall.

I was filmed as part of an LTS promotional film on the implementation of Additional Support for Learning guidance – my contribution was around the importance of the rights of the child.

Meeting with young people and parents who have highlighted the issue of school transport and the raising of the threshold for free bus passes in Renfrewshire. This is part of ongoing correspondence with the Council.

Church of Scotland, national youth assembly – Sheila present. This event was attended by around 180 young people (aged 16-22) active in the youth activities of the church. It provided an opportunity to promote a RIGHT blether although it didn’t lend itself to a stall.

Visit to Boghall Primary School, Bathgate – Sarah Louise present. This was a whole school event involving all 250 pupils. It included an assembly with parents and carers present and displays from all classes in the school – lots of songs about rights – great stuff.

Meeting with Dave Howard – BBC journalist. I provided information/advice regarding young carers as Dave in intent on putting a proposal for a national day of coverage for young carers on BBC.