We’ve got some great things happening for Voice network groups in 2025.
Beginning during Challenge Poverty Week, and running throughout October, we are asking pupils in schools across Scotland to get involved with building the Young People's Poverty and Education Manifesto, to present to politicians and decision makers ahead of the 2026 election.
We would like as many young people as possible to have their voices hear by the people in power, so this month we are sharing this quick Manifesto activity to gather views and ideas.
The activity, on the mentimeter platform, will be open until the 31st of October, hope to hear what you all have to say!
Education Scotland is working with young people to design an attendance and engagement resource for schools. They are looking for lots of young people to provide feedback and advice on it – would any of your pupils like to get involved? There are also opportunities for schools to take forward their own research, led by young people, into an attendance theme, using the new Youth Voice Toolkit. Contact Kirsty for more information [email protected]
Our friends at the Poverty Alliance are holding an anti-poverty march and demo in Edinburgh. There’s more information here for you, colleagues and any pupils who might be interested in attending.
Each term we run meetings for primary and secondary pupils and network leaders. This term we will be meeting up for:
Primary pupil Voice online meeting, 28 October 9:30-10am
Voice network leaders online meeting, 29 October 4 to 4:45pm
We will be sharing links with you via email in advance.
You can take a look at notes from previous meetings, which include top tips from schools, advice from leaders and children and young people's ideas.
Members of the Voice network took part in three online sessions at the end of the summer term to help inform the future of the Scottish Attainment Challenge and new Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan. Thank you to all 42 young people who gave up their time to speak to us, you can find out what was said in this short report.
On 19 March, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth visited Boghall Primary School to meet Cost of the School Day pupil groups from several schools. Ms Gilruth answered questions on the findings of The Big Question. Find out what she said in this video.
On 5 February, politicians in the Scottish Parliament debated how child poverty can be tackled in schools. The Cost of the School Day project at Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland sent a briefing for the debate to all politicians beforehand, which included lots of your thoughts and ideas. One MSP said that it’s important that your voices are at the heart of this debate, so thank you all for sharing your ideas with us!
The Big Question summary film - made by Voice network members
Taken part in the Big Question, and collaborated on a film to promote the findings to the whole network.
Comments from Voice network members who took part in guidance consultation
Contributed to the Scottish government’s new school uniform guidance for young people - School uniform and clothing: a resource for pupils
Liam from Trinity High School at the pre-election event
Taken part in a pre-election event, and questioned politicians on what they would do to make tackling poverty at school more consistent.
Voice network members at the Universal Free School Meals roundtable with the Cabinet Secretary for Education
Attended and spoken at two round table discussions at the Scottish Parliament, one about the cost of school uniforms, and the other about free school meals.
First meeting of the Voice network primary schools
Taken part in big meet ups during the year, where everyone had the chance to learn more from each other and take part in online activities and games
Voice network members have also: shared pupil-led Cost of the School Day work with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills during Challenge Poverty Week; launched awareness campaigns; created cost calendars; taken on consultations with parents and carers; run social media campaigns; set up uniform banks and take-what-you-need trollies... and so many other really amazing things to make sure their schools are more equal for everyone.
We would really like to hear from you - email Kirsty at [email protected]
