Easterhouse, Glasgow. Primary school children in Easterhouse, Glasgow took centre stage this week as they met directly with local politicians and decision-makers to share what they think should be prioritised ahead of Scotland’s 2026 election.
The child-led influencing event, jointly organised by Save the Children Scotland and Children’s Parliament was hosted at Oakwood Primary School and brought together Primary 5 pupils, MSPs, the local MP, councillors and other power holders from across Glasgow. The event aimed to ensure children’s voices on poverty are heard.
The children led discussion and presentations about the issues that affect their lives and communities, making clear that children’s perspectives are often missing from political conversations. Politicians and decision makers were invited into the space to listen, ask questions and respond directly to any questions.
Member of Children’s Parliament, age 9: "My favourite part was going on stage because I got to speak in front of everyone and tell them about the project."
Member of Children’s Parliament, age 9: I loved how the adults were listening and were engaged in what we were saying."
Member of Children’s Parliament, age 10: “My favourite part was when we got to tour the adults around because we got to talk to them about stuff that's actually important."
Children’s Parliament worked with the class of 32 Primary 5 pupils at the school over the last six weeks, using creative and participatory methods to explore their experiences and priorities. Children showcased artwork created in collaboration with Greer Pester and creative outputs at the event, and led discussions with politicians in an informal, child-led setting designed to break down traditional power imbalances.
As part of the event, MSPs, Councillors and other decision-makers were asked to make pledges to the children, setting out how they would act on what they had heard. These commitments will be followed up as part of the two children’s organisations wider Election 2026 influencing work.
Gregory Metcalfe, Project Lead at Children’s Parliament, said:
“It’s incredibly important that decision-makers hear directly from children on issues that affect them. Children are better placed than anyone to tell us what the experience of being a child is like today. Sadly, we know that for too many children in Scotland their hopes of having a happy childhood where all of their children’s human rights are upheld is undermined by the impacts of poverty. If we’re serious about tackling child poverty, we need to start by understanding what it means to children themselves.”
Laurie Goldie, Participation Manager at Save the Children Scotland, said:
“Unfortunately, children’s voices are often missing from the national conversation on child poverty, and we are delighted to have partnered with Children’s Parliament to change that with this project.
“This event was entirely child-led – from the themes they identified and how they spoke about them; to the beautiful artwork they produced; and the thoughtful homemade gifts they presented our guests with at the end. We look forward to continuing to work with Children’s Parliament to ensure our youngest citizens' voices continue to shape the debate around how Scotland tackles child poverty.”
ENDS