The Education Recovery Youth Panel, delivered by Young Scot in partnership with Children in Scotland, was launched in November 2020. It supported the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Education Recovery Group – a follow-on from the Scottish Learner Panel.

The panel helped to embed the voices of young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences in the decision-making around education recovery from COVID-19. They followed our Young Scot Hive #YSHive processes – enabling them to share their experiences, lead conversations, develop their own ideas, and drive change as part of decision-making.

Children and young people aged 9-18-yearsold from 15 local council areas across Scotland took part – and several young people declared additional or complex support needs. This diversity ensured those most affected throughout the pandemic were represented in decision-making opportunities.

Alongside the panel, we have worked with the Scottish Youth Parliament to link in with a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament who sits on the COVID-19 Education Recovery Group (CERG). This ensured the views and insights of the panel were represented as part of the ongoing discussions.

This report provides insight into the panel’s work from December 2020 – July 2021. It details learning experiences and shifting priorities for the learners, and suggestions for change in the medium-long term recovery period.

As COVID-19 restrictions started to ease, and the introduction of a new assessment model for
many, the sessions focused on learner’s current experience. They also offered an increased opportunity for learners to reflect on their vision for the future and essential elements needed to futureproof learning over the coming months and years.