Professionals spend years studying. But when it comes to individual children, who are the real experts? Nicola Pay talks to parents of children with complex additional support needs who believe they should be partners' in making decisions about their children's education and care.

Wherever a sick child is being cared for, there should be staff and facilities for their physical, emotional, developmental and educational care. All agencies must recognise where their contribution fits in this jigsaw, says Dr Una MacFadyen.

The stark gender imbalance in the child and youth care workforce has created a dearth of positive male role models for children. Mark Smith, a residential carer for more than 20 years, argues that boys need men.

Ten years ago the problem of joy riding was escalating beyond police control in North Ayrshire, according to youth worker Richard Cannon. Terratorial conflict among young people from three different towns in the area was also a growing concern.

Education and childcare may be a devolved issue, but Westminster education secretary Charles Clarke's plans for schools to become “hubs” of their local communities and adopt extended hours to offer “wrap-around” care for children will also be piloted here in Scotland, explains Nicola Pay.