Conference call to give children the best start in life

'The early years are the building blocks for life’ was the message of the SPPA national conference, on 8 November, Improving Outcomes for the Early Years.  Delegates from across the sector heard from a range of top speakers who highlighted the importance of early intervention to ensure our children get the very best start in life.

Angela Constance MSP, the Minister for Children and Young People, spoke of the Scottish Government’s aspiration that Scotland should be ‘the best place to bring up children’. She told delegates that despite the ‘challenging’ economic climate, the Government is committed to the early years.  

Other speakers included: Siobhan Fitzpatrick, the Chief Executive of Early Years, the organisation for young children, Sir Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer, and Kate Cherry, HM Assistant Chief Inspector.  

Read the full report on the conference, which includes photographs and speakers’ presentations >

Work of SPPA Volunteers and Groups celebrated with Awards

Karen Thompson’s long, dedicated service of volunteering within Benachie Playgroup, in Dunfermline was marked at the conference as she received the SPPA Volunteer of the Year Award. The Playgroup was presented with the Group of the Year Award. The group had received an exceptionally highly graded inspection report from the Care Inspectorate

Read more >

Landmark legislation on the way

The Scottish Government has announced that a Rights of Children and Young People Bill will be the first stage in its programme of legislation and policy development.  To comment on this you can visit the Scottish Government website.  

You have until 1 December 2011 to respond via email at earlyyearslegislation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or by writing to Chris Bain, Scottish Government Children’s Rights and Well-being Division ,  Area 2B (North), Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ.

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