Sabhal Mòr Ostaig delivers Corporate Parenting Plan

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, has produced and published their Corporate Parenting Plan, under Part 9 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.  Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is now legally designated as a Corporate Parent with statutory duties for looked after children and young people and care leavers.

Colleges, institutions, and other agencies identified as corporate parents have had to create and publish a Corporate Parenting Action Plan.  It is also a legislative duty that all corporate parents produce a Report on such a Plan every three years.

Through its multi-faceted activities, College management and staff fully recognise the legislative duties set out under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 in regard to enhancing the well-being of care experienced young people and removing barriers to opportunities which they may face.

Eilidh MacFadyen, Student Services Co-ordinator and SMO Safeguarding Officer said: “The College welcomes applications from care experienced young people and has introduced supportive measures to encourage applicants to self-declare. The College is further committed to providing care experienced students with a safe, supportive learning and work environment which meets their needs and general well-being and which enables them to fulfil their potential.”

SMO’s Safeguarding Group, which was established in 2016/17, have put this Corporate Parenting Plan together and further to preparing, monitoring and reviewing the Plan, members of the Group have undertaken face-to-face training sessions with Colleges Development Network (CDN) and Who Cares? Scotland.

John N. MacLeod, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Vice-Principal and Chair of the Safeguarding Group said: “Mandatory training for all staff is key to achieving the outcomes and activities identified within the Corporate Parenting Action Plan and making staff aware of the challenges and difficulties care experienced children and young people may face and, as a result, the College will be able to enhance the support it is able to give.”