Content Warning: This episode mentions domestic and sexual abuse, possession of weapons, and mental health difficulties in relation to behaviour that may lead to school exclusion.

Children as young as 10 can be held responsible for crimes – but they also have special rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda talk to Florence Cole, an education solicitor at Harrow Law Centre, about the laws around children’s education, why exclusions happen, and what can be done to protect young people.

Florence has many years' experience supporting children and families through exclusions, appeals, discrimination cases, and special educational needs issues. She explains:

· When parents can legally challenge a school or local authority decision

· Why exclusions can have devastating long-term effects

· How children’s backgrounds, trauma and unmet special needs can influence behaviour

· The “school-to-prison pipeline” and pupil referral units

· Practical tips for parents and carers facing exclusion hearings

· How the law (Equality Act 2010, Children & Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations) protects children with special educational needs

When Florence was 10, she loved spending time in nature and had an imaginary friend called Frieda.

References and Resources

• Harrow Law Centre
• Behaviour in schools: sanctions and exclusions
• Discriminatory exclusions
• School exclusion: a review on disproportionate exclusion of certain children
• School suspensions and permanent exclusions

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

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We hear in the news about people fleeing their homes to become asylum seekers or refugees, why is this? Alma and Lucinda talk to Lance Bartholomeusz from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to find out:

· The difference between refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants

· Why so many people around the world are forced to leave their homes

· What protections and rights refugees have under international law

· The role of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) around the world

· How refugee children are supported to go to school, stay safe, and build new lives

· The challenges people face when starting a new life in a different country

You’ll also hear real examples of the UNHCR’s work, from helping Palestinian families in neighbouring countries, to supporting Rohingya communities in Bangladesh, to protecting displaced people in Ukraine, and how Uganda supports Sudanese refugees in Africa.

When Lance was 10 he wanted to be a snake handler!

References and Resources

United Nations Refugee Agency

United Kingdom for UNHCR

Kate Blanchett on Statelessness

Patrick Eba UNHCR’s policy and legal expert ‘Why do refugees need protection?’

There are more stories at www.unhcr.org under news and stories. Here are the latest stories relating to children: News and stories | UNHCR

There were 8.4 million asylum-seekers awaiting decisions on their individual applications at the end of 2024, the highest number ever recorded, marking a 22 per cent increase from 6.9 million the previous year. See Global Trends | UNHCR

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

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See you soon in the next episode!

Did you know you could train as a solicitor straight from school?

There are two different routes to becoming a solicitor –as a graduate and as an apprentice.

In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Annabel Twose, a second-year trainee, and Matt Dady, a first-year solicitor apprentice at Fieldfisher's London office, a European law firm with 25 offices in 13 countries.

Together they explore:

· Why they wanted to train as a solicitor

· The difference between training as a solicitor apprentice or as a graduate and why chose their route

· challenges encountered in their training

· A typical day and available support

· The area of law they want to practice once qualified

· Their top tips for working in a law firm

When she was 10 years old, Annabel was an avid reader and inspired by Alex Rider books wanted to be a spy. Matt wanted to work in the travel industry, as a captain of a cruise ship.

References and Resources

Fieldfisher London

CILEX episode

Legal Cheek

Corporate Law Academy

Grow Mentoring

The Bright Network.

Law Society and becoming a solicitor

Law Careers – a guide to apprenticeships

➡️ Call 999 in an emergency
➡️ Speak to an adult you trust
➡️ Or contact a confidential service like Childline: 0800 1111
➡️ If you're under 18 and want free, confidential advice, you can also call the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.
See you soon in the next episode!