The Liberal Democrats' autumn conference has been a chance to firm uppolicy in many areas affecting children, young people and families.
The party expanded on its approach to school discipline, calling formore balance in dealing with disruptive pupils and better pastoralcare.
Ed Davey, education and skills spokesman, blew a trumpet for traditionalhouse systems as a way of "breaking down large soullesscomprehensives".
And the party has agreed a five-point plan to improve the tax creditssystem, branded "a shambles" by David Laws, spokesman for work andpensions.
Yet there are also many crucial areas of children's policy where the LibDems have yet to formulate a strong line.
Everywhere she goes, Annette Brooke, the party's spokesperson forchildren and families, has been plugging a consultation document, thefirst step in a process to develop a comprehensive children and familiespolicy.
Time to tackle the issues head-on
The paper, which will form the basis for a full policy document to bepresented to spring conference, covers everything from childcare andchild poverty to family breakdown and looked-after children.
It's high time the party tackled some of these issues head on, saysBrooke, who admits the last time the Lib Dems looked at adoption policywas about 20 years ago. The consultation represents a change ofemphasis, with a renewed focus on the family, she explains.
Children's welfare is number one priority, asserts Brooke. But she adds:"At its simplest level you cannot ensure children's rights are upheldunless you look at how they are being supported within the family."
But how much should government intervene? Brooke argues parenting is"the hardest job" and people have the right to expect some form oftraining.
She's a big fan of TV's Supernanny, she tells a fringe event onharnessing parent power, and is convinced parenting classes are a goodthing: "The challenge is that it has got to be mainstream and not seenas a problem family that is getting support."
At the same time, Brooke is aware that more must be done to supportchildren in the care system, and children who may have little or nofamily support.
"I've been a corporate parent within a council and we are failing," shesays.
She wants to see more professionalisation of foster care and properallowances and, at a fringe meeting run by the British Association forAdoption and Fostering, she promised more support for adoptiveparents.
In terms of childcare, the Lib Dems have endorsed much of theGovernment's vision set out in its 10-year strategy for childcare,including extended schools and children's centres. Yet there areconcerns about extended schools. "How well they are resourced is goingto be absolutely critical," says Brooke.
Overall, though, she is cautious when pressed on funding, pointing outthat shifting to preventive measures can be cost-effective, usingBritain's child obesity epidemic as an example of where Governmentfailed to act early enough.
But what would the Lib Dems do to improve the health of children atschool right now? Brooke would get rid of vending machines for astart.
"If we're not going to be able to go from A to B with the kitchens andhot meals then we've at least got to be working on the public educationagenda in terms of what's in a lunch box," she asserts.
Motion to limit Asbos
Elsewhere Mark Oaten, Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, attacked theGovernment's respect agenda (Children Now, 21-27 September) with theparty voting on a motion to limit the use of Asbos and put more effortinto "more liberal" ways of dealing with anti-social behaviour.
And health spokesman Professor Steve Webb called for an end to theopt-out on sex education.
One of the liveliest conference sessions was a consultation with peopleaged 11 to 20 from in and around Blackpool. Their main message was thatchildren and young people should have a much greater say, whether thatwas when families split up or the type of childcare they receive.
Brooke agrees the Lib Dems could "do a lot more" to listen to childrenand young people and act on it, and promised feedback from thisconsultation and others will influence policy.
POLICY HIGHLIGHTS- Relationship and sex education for all children- Universal parenting classes- Limit use of Asbos- Better pastoral care at school- Revamp tax credits- www.libdems.org.uk.
